'Kind‑hearted' tribute to son after stabbing death

A man who was killed in Worcestershire has been described as a "kind‑hearted man with the brightest smile".

Sebastian Daelman, 41, was stabbed in Martley Close, Redditch, on 28 April and died in hospital a short time later, police said.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with his murder.

Daelman's family - his mum Dawn, dad Clive, brother Christian and sister Nadine -said: "Sebastian was a kind‑hearted man with the brightest smile, the sort of smile that lit up a room and made everyone around him feel seen and cared for.

"He was a protector by nature, someone who looked out for others long before he ever thought about himself. He was well known in Redditch.

"He would talk to everyone as he went about his day - often with his cat, Dotty, following him through town.

They thanked the support Daelman had had from the Friends of Isaac's Food Bank and said they had "cherished memories" of their time with him.

"We are so grateful for the support shown by friends and the community since his death, and a GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral costs," they added.

"Sebastian will be laid to rest with his Nanny Jo, a woman he idolised and said 'could walk on water' for everything she did for him.

"Our hearts are broken and will never fully heal from this insane loss and the grief that now fills our lives."

The family says everyone who knew him is welcome at his funeral, on 26 June at 11:00 BST at Redditch Crematorium.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.