Tributes to murdered teenager Keelan Wilson marking his 16th birthday

Dozens of balloons were released in a poignant tribute to murdered teenager Keelan Wilson to mark what would have been his 16th birthday.

Hundreds of family, friends and members of the community rallied round at a special event at St Joseph’s Church, in Coalway Road, yesterday organised by Keelan’s parents.

WATCH: Find out more about the event

The event marked what would have been the teenager’s birthday and included a church service where candles were lit.

The event continued with musical performances and food.

Keelan's mother Kelly Ellitts and father Gary Wilson marking his birthday

Natalie Pemberton, Sophie Turner, aged 8, Sue Pemberton, Chloe Turner, Michelle Ellitts, Tyler Ellitts and Colin Ellitts at the event

Mother Kelly Ellitts said: “Everyone has really come together for this event and everyone was there to support Keelan. He had a lot of friends, he was a popular boy and people loved him.

Something has to be done about knife crime. Since Keelan was murdered, there have been two other knife crime attacks – it is not getting any better.”

Rev Graham Hartnell took the service at St Joseph's Church

DJ Macca Hamilton, from Birmingham, performed at the event with Keelan into DJ-ing

Cousin Daisy Davies, 14, from Wolverhampton

Tigers BBQ and Reuben Clarke from Wolverhampton

Father Gary Wilson said: “He had a lot of friends and a lot of family – he really would have loved the day we held for him. But I do feel like he has been here with us at the event.”

Keelan, 15, was stabbed to death just yards away from his home in Wolverhampton on May 29.