Telford attack death man 'beaten with cricket bat', partner says

A "protective" stepfather was beaten around the head with a cricket bat in a brutal assault which fractured his skull, his partner has said.

Derek Whyteside, 42, of Dawley, Telford, died in hospital after being found unconscious in Withywood Drive, Malinslee, on Monday.

His partner Michelle said he was attacked after bikes belonging to her children were stolen.

A 16-year-old boy has appeared before magistrates charged with murder.

Posting on Facebook on Tuesday, prior to Mr Whyteside's death, Michelle said: "Derek is now basically in an induced coma with a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain.

"Someone thought it would be okay to wrap a cricket bat round his head."

Prior to the attack, she said, two bikes were taken from outside her house.

In a further post, after Mr Whyteside's death was announced, she said: "My whole world has just come crashing around me".

In a family statement released this week, relatives paid tribute to

The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named, was remanded in custody at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday and is due to appear at Stafford Crown Court on Monday.

Two men arrested in connection with the incident have been released on police bail. A woman and two teenage boys have been released while inquiries continue.

A fundraising page set up by Telford Neighbourhood Watch group in aid of Mr Whyteside's family has amassed more than £800.

A spokeswoman for the group said: "The whole community is devastated and asking how can something like this happen in Telford.

"I cannot express how horrible it must be for the family.

"They depended on Derek to provide for them and I know it's going to hit them quite hard."