Boy's father shocked at shooting

Photos and tributes to Kadeem were left at the scene of the shooting

The father of a Derby teenager who died from a shotgun attack near a park is calling for an end to gang culture in the city.

Kadeem Blackwood, 15, was killed on Tuesday evening in Sunnyhill, in what police described as a dispute that escalated into a shooting.

A 19-year-old man is being questioned about the murder. Police have not confirmed the death was gang-related.

Steven Blackwood said he son appeared to have been involved with gangs.

"Obviously I was shocked - and quite numb. I just don't know where it went wrong," Mr Blackwood, who was in Canada at the time of the shooting, told BBC News.

"Everyone constantly keeps breaking down in tears because when we think of the consequences of how Kadeem died and the reality of it all, it just impacts on us."

I wouldn't have said Kadeem was a part of any gang - but clearly he was Steven Blackwood

Derbyshire Police said: "Our investigations reveal that this incident appears to be the result of a disagreement between two people which tragically escalated to this shooting."

Mr Blackwood said his son "liked to laugh" and was "a very sociable and a confident young person".

"I think a lot of people were drawn to him because of his bubbly nature.

"It is evident from photos (of him) that he was into the gang culture thing."

Mr Blackwood said the message that needed to come from his son's death was that gang members had to decide not to "walk around with guns and knives".

"If you are walking around with a weapon you are ultimately going to use it at some point - otherwise you wouldn't have it.

Local anger

"We need strong messages to the young people today that we cannot continue to be in this environment where there is a gang culture because the consequences are that someone may die.

"In this instance, it has been my son who was only 15.

"I wouldn't have said Kadeem was a part of any gang but clearly he was because of the pictures (of him)."

Derby resident Debbie Woodhouse, 44, who visited the scene of the shooting said: "He had only just turned 15.

"I don't know what to say myself. I can't imagine what his parents are feeling.

"People are going to be angry now. It's probably gang-related."

Derby city councillor Chris Williamson, who represents the Austin estate, said: "I am totally shocked by it.

"We have worked hard in this area to improve the quality of life and we have had tremendous success.

"Five or six years ago there were real problems on the estate and young and old people, black and white, have worked hard to make a difference."

Advertisement

Police say it is too early to confirm if Kadeem Blackwood's death was gang-related.