Pictured: Boy, 17, at centre of village homicide investigation as 5 persons are arrested
A 17-year-old boy at the centre of a village murder investigation has been named by police.
Tristan Shae Kerr died of serious injuries at a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly on Thursday afternoon.
Five people have since been arrested – three on suspicion of murder and two on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Tributes have now poured in for Tristan mourning the loss of his ‘cheeky smile’ and ‘pure potential in life’.
Lacey Kerr, who described the teenager as her ‘cuzzy’, said on social media: ‘oh tristan never in a million years did I think I’d be writing this, is heart (sic) is completely and utterly shattered. i will never meet a soul on this planet quite yours, we argued like siblings but you’d never have a bad word said about me unless it was you.
‘The whole family is devastated, you hadn’t even started life we still had so many things planned.
‘I can’t fathom that I’ll never see your cheeky smile again I want to wake up and this all be a dream, I love you so much your name will never ever be forgotten.’
Ms Kerr also uploaded a series of photographs of Tristan smiling, sleeping and holding a pet dog.
Tristan Shae Kerr (pictured) died of serious injuries at a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly on Thursday afternoon
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for Tristan’s ‘mother and family’. A photo from the page is pictured
Police said three men, a 26-year-old from London, a 24-year-old from Abertridwr, and an 18-year-old from Cardiff, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Two women, a 28-year-old from Hereford and a 24-year-old from Senghenydd, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
All five remain in police custody, following the attack in Lower Francis Street.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Jitka Tomkova-Griffiths said: ‘Tristan’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers, and our thoughts remain with them and his friends at this difficult time.
‘We have made five arrests in connection with the investigation, and all five people remain in custody at this time.
‘Officers remain in the area to carry out their inquiries.
‘While we understand reports like these are concerning, it is important that people do not speculate about the identities of those involved as this could present problems to our investigation.
‘If anyone has any information, however, please speak to our officers or contact us in the usual way.’
‘He had the most contagious smile and would light up any room he would walk into,’ a close friend of Tristan’s said
Aliyah Kerr said last night: ‘Never thought I’d write this but a balloon send off for my beautiful beautiful angel this MONDAY THE 9th at the YMCA field 6PM’
Tom Harding, who described Tristan as a ‘brother’ said he had also lost a ‘good mate’ to a ‘stupid situation’.
He added: ‘Will miss you brother. terrible photos from our rough patches but ive lost a good mate to a stupid situation.’
Aliyah Kerr said last night: ‘Never thought I’d write this but a balloon send off for my beautiful beautiful angel this MONDAY THE 9th at the YMCA field 6PM.
‘A fair well (sic) for my brother, everyone is welcome balloons, bring whatever you can to celebrate the life of tristan shae kerr.’
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for Tristan’s ‘mother and family’.
Organiser Jack Pring said: ‘He had the most contagious smile and would light up any room he would walk into. I would just really appreciate if anyone can make a donation of any of kind little or small to help his mother and family towards the funeral costs through this really difficult time.
‘Thank you in advance.’
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Gwent Police on 101, by direct message on social media, or on the website, quoting log reference 2600038325.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
