Pictured: Boy, 16, who was stabbed to death on Boxing Day in targeted attack as police launch murder probe and mother pays tribute to 'wonderful son'
A 16-year-old boy stabbed to death on Boxing Day in a targeted attack has been pictured as police launch a murder probe.
Joe Whitchurch, 16, suffered fatal stab wounds at an address in Hickings Lane, Stapleford, shortly before 5.30am on Saturday.
His mother has paid an emotional tribute to her 'wonderful son who had his whole life ahead of him'.
He was rushed to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham but died on Tuesday afternoon.
Joe's mum, Lisa Kilkenny, said: 'He was a natural sportsman and an especially good swimmer who loved nothing more than spending time with his friends and family.'
Joe Whitchurch , 16, suffered fatal stab wounds at an address in Hickings Lane, Stapleford, shortly before 5.30am on Saturday
Jake Rollinson, 20, was charged with attempted murder and remanded in custody
She said her son had started studying engineering at Nottingham College before the attack, adding: 'He was full of hope for the future - even with everything that has been going on in the world.
'We are heartbroken that he has been taken from us in this way but will always cherish his memory - especially his famously broad smile that really did have the ability to light up any room.
'As we try as a family to come to terms with what happened we would also like to thank the staff at the QMC who fought so hard to save Joe's life, and the crew of the Air Ambulance who came to his assistance.
The schoolboy was rushed to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham but died on Tuesday afternoon
Detective Inspector Steve Wragg, of Nottinghamshire Police, is leading the investigation. Pictured, investigators at the scene
'Finally I would urge anyone with any additional information about what happened to come forward to the police straight away and help us get justice for Joe.'
Detective Inspector Steve Wragg, of Nottinghamshire Police, is leading the investigation.
He said: 'A murder investigation has now been launched and detectives have been working around the clock to establish exactly happened to Joe in the early hours of Saturday morning.
'The death of a child in any circumstances is tragic, but it is especially shocking for a young life to be taken in this way.
'As we continue our work to investigate the circumstances of Joe's death I would like to thank the local community for their continued help and support.'
Superintendent Kevin Broadhead also said additional police patrols had been deployed to give 'reassurance' to residents living in the area.
Jake Rollinson, 20, of Hickings Lane, Stapleford, was charged with attempted murder on Sunday and remanded in custody.