The Specials singer Neville Staple speaks of devastation after 21-year-old grandson is stabbed to death

Ellen Manning
<em>Heartbreaking – The Specials singer Neville Staple has spoken of the “heartbreaking loss” of his grandson who was stabbed to death aged 21 (Picture: Getty)</em>
Heartbreaking – The Specials singer Neville Staple has spoken of the “heartbreaking loss” of his grandson who was stabbed to death aged 21 (Picture: Getty)

The Specials singer Neville Staple has spoken of the “heartbreaking loss” of his grandson after he was stabbed to death at the age of 21.

Mr Staple, vocalist in the Coventry-based ska band, said he and his family were “truly devastated” by the loss of Fidel, his daughter Melanie’s son.

The 21-year-old was found behind Club M in Coventry after being stabbed in the early hours of Saturday.

He was rushed to hospital in a life-threatening condition but later died, West Midlands Police said. A man has been arrested.

<em>Devastated – Mr Staple described his devastation in a message on Facebook (Picture: Facebook)</em>
Devastated – Mr Staple described his devastation in a message on Facebook (Picture: Facebook)

Mr Staple, vocalist in the Coventry ska band, wrote on Facebook: “We are truly devastated to announce the heartbreaking loss of my grandson Fidel (my daughter Melanie’s son), who died today as a result of being attacked with a knife in the street.

“We want to thank the hospital staff & surgeons at UHCW University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, who battled all day to try & save him.

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He went on: “My beautiful daughter Melanie & wife Christine Sugary, all the family and myself are still shocked by this tragedy, but would like to thank you all for the kindness & messages we have received. Thank you.”

Another man, aged 23, was found with stab injuries on Queen Victoria Road and remains in hospital.

Detective Inspector Harry Harrison, from West Midlands Police’s homicide unit, said: “Sadly another young man has lost his life in a knife attack. Our thoughts are with his family at this dreadful time.

“We are aware that numerous people who were at the club at the time could have witnessed what happened and I would urge them to contact us with any information no matter how insignificant it may seem.”