Family Handout: Man Charged with Murder of Promising Footballer Ashley Day
West Midlands Police have charged Gurveer Bhandal, 18, with the murder of 20-year-old Ashley Day. Day, a promising footballer and student at Brunel University, was stabbed to death at a party in Digbeth, Birmingham, on Thursday morning.
Background on Ashley Day
Ashley Day was a promising footballer and student who had recently been accepted to study sports science at Brunel University. He had been part of Newport County’s academy and was described by his family as a “very well-mannered and loving boy”. His family said he was passionate about football and had excelled at Newport football academy. He was also a great big brother and protector to his mum, younger brother and his family.
Gurveer Bhandal Charged with Murder
West Midlands Police have charged Gurveer Bhandal, 18, with the murder of Ashley Day. Bhandal has also been charged with possession of a bladed article. Two other people who were arrested as part of the investigation have since been released and will face no further action. Bhandal is due before Birmingham Magistrates later.
Tributes to Ashley Day
The family of Ashley Day paid tribute to him, saying that his smile was infectious and his sense of humour was out of this world. They said he was very passionate about football and had excelled at Newport football academy. His family said he was a great big brother and protector to his mum, younger brother and his family. Newport County representative said the club was “deeply saddened to learn this devastating news” and that everyone at Newport County AFC’s thoughts are with Ashley’s family and friends at this time.
Appeal for Witnesses
Det Insp Jim Mahon has appealed for witnesses, saying that officers believe there “may still be people who may have information, photographs or videos of the party and incident”. He urged anyone with information to come forward.
Conclusion
The death of Ashley Day has shocked the community and his family have paid tribute to him, describing him as a very well-mannered and loving boy who was passionate about football and had excelled at Newport football academy. Gurveer Bhandal has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article and is due before Birmingham Magistrates later. Det Insp Jim Mahon has appealed for witnesses who may have information, photographs or videos of the party and incident.