Man arrested over shooting death

Residents express fear

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 15-year-old boy who was shot in the chest on a Derby street.

Kadeem Blackwood was walking along Caxton Street in the Sunnyhill area at about 2120 GMT on Tuesday when he was wounded.

He was taken to the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary and died from his injuries.

The arrested man continues to be questioned. A post-mortem examination will be carried out Thursday evening.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Goodman said police would remain in the area to carry out detailed investigations.

Kadeem's untimely death at such a tender age should send a message to all young people that this violence has to stop Steven Blackwood, Kadeem's father

"Several people have come forward with information and we are grateful for their help.

"However, we are still asking for people to contact us if they saw or heard anything that night, or if they have any other information which may assist us.

"We urge the community to stand up and be counted."

ACC Goodman said a clearer picture was emerging of the events leading up to the shooting.

"We understand that Kadeem was walking through the park with a group of friends when they were approached by another group of males.

"Some sort or argument occurred and a shot was fired at which stage, a number of males involved in the incident ran off," he added.

Family statement

The teenager's father Steven Blackwood said in a statement: "The Blackwood and Thomas family are devastated and shocked by the news of Kadeem's death yesterday evening, but are overwhelmed and humbled by the sheer spirit and support of the community at this difficult time.

"I am in Canada trying to get flights home but the amount of phone calls, email and messages of support have been humbling.

Police and family speak about the shooting

"I am grateful to all the people who have been there to offer support to my mum and extended family in my absence.

"Kadeem's untimely death at such a tender age should send a message to all young people not only in Derby but on a national level that this violence has to stop.

"The family are now reminiscing about the Kadeem that we knew and loved."

Dernard Blackwood, Kadeem's great-uncle, 73, from Crewe Street in Derby, said he heard about the shooting from the teenager's grandmother.

He said: "His grandmother rang me this morning to tell me her grandson had been shot.

"I couldn't believe it."

He said the family was originally from Jamaica but Kadeem and his parents were all born in the UK.

Fatal shootings

Some residents have expressed concerns about rival groups previously clashing in the area, but Mr Goodman said the shooting was "an isolated incident".

He said he was aware of speculation in the area but it was too early to state any possible motive for the crime.

ACC Goodman said: "Fatal shootings are not commonplace in the city of Derby.

"We have had a number of incidents of firearms being discharged in the city in the last 12 months, but we've gained a number of very significant convictions in relation to those and a number of people are still awaiting trial."

Police confirmed the incident was the first fatal shooting of a teenager in Derbyshire.

ACC Goodman added: "If people wish to pass on information anonymously, they can do so by ringing our call centre or the national charity Crimestoppers."