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Keelan Wilson: Murdered teen was ambushed by masked attackers

An armed gang of masked attackers brutally ambushed a teenager as he tended to a broken-down car, a coroner’s court heard.

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Keelan Wilson, inset, and tributes at the scene where he died

Schoolboy Keelan Wilson was fatally wounded just yards from his home during a late-night attack three weeks ago.

Detectives from West Midlands Police are still hunting for the teenager’s killer and are yet to discover the murderer’s motive, Black Country Coroner’s Court was told.

Giving evidence on Wednesday, Detective Inspector Warren Hines said: “The investigation is quite a difficult one.

“There isn’t any obviously clear motive as to why Keelan was targeted in such a way.

Posters have been put up appealing for information

“We are just working through the investigation in detail.

"It is quite a difficult case and one I’m determined to get to the bottom of.”

Former Castlecroft Primary School pupil Keelan was with a friend in Merry Hill’s Strathfield Walk as they tried to push a car which had broken down.

The 15-year-old was moving the car to ‘safety’ from a nearby carriageway when the masked attackers pounced on him and repeatedly stabbed him.

Keelan's mum Kelly and half-brother Josiah Knight Ferguson

Keelan, who lived with his family in Fareham Crescent, was rushed to New Cross Hospital but pronounced dead by medics.

Speaking during the inquest opening, Det Insp Hines said: “They were set upon by a group of masked individuals.

“These individuals were all armed and attacked Keelan.”

A post-mortem has since confirmed Keelan died of multiple stab wounds on May 29, the officer added.

Four teenagers, aged 14, 15, 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of his murder and have all been released on bail.

Speaking following the inquest opening, Det Insp Hines urged the public to get in touch with him to help police bring the perpetrators to justice.

The officer, who is based at Harborne’s homicide investigation unit, added: “We have had really positive responses from the community and if anyone has any information , phone me directly on 101, or ask for me in person.”

Assistant coroner Laura Nash adjourned the inquest, with a date for the future hearing yet to be set.

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