POLICE IN ENGLAND yesterday launched a murder investigation after an Irishman was stabbed to death in Wolverhampton on Thursday night.
The man has been named locally as John Joyce (21) formerly of Beechpark outside Ennis, Clare.
Outlining details behind the fatal stabbing, a statement from the West Midlands police said “officers were called to reports of a disorder, which is believed to have started at around 11.30pm last night at Bilston High Street, Wolverhampton”.
They stated that “a man was found injured in Lichfield Street and despite the best efforts of emergency services died at the scene”.
Two other men were taken to hospital with injuries, but are not in a serious condition.
The West Midlands Police have arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of murder found near to the location.
Detective Inspector Justin Spanner from the force’s homicide team yesterday appealed for witnesses while the UK police were carrying out forensic and local enquiries at the scene and a post-mortem will take place in due course.
Wolverhampton South East MP, Pat McFadden, told a local paper, the Express and Star after visiting the scene: “This is a truly horrific murder. It has shocked the people of Bilston.”
Messages were posted on Facebook today paying tribute to John Joyce.
At Ennis Circuit Court in June, Joyce was due along with his brother, Brian (22) to be sentenced for a serious assault on a teenager, Danny Harty where Harty required 200 stitches to his face.
However, Judge Gerald Keys issued a bench warrant for the arrest of John Joyce after Garda Robert Grant gave evidence that John Joyce had fled the jurisdiction. Brian Joyce was remanded in custody on the same date and sentencing was adjourned.
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