Tribute to shooting victim dad 'who had big heart'

Jermaine Smith was "a bright, loving and a respectful young man", his mother said

A mother has paid tribute to her son who "always tried to help others", after he was shot dead in Wolverhampton at the weekend.

Dad Jermaine Smith, 30, was killed in a shooting on Lilleshall Crescent in All Saints in the city at about 00:15 BST on Saturday.

A cordon remained in place in the area on Monday afternoon as investigations continued.

His mother Nadine Shakespeare said her son "was my heart and soul" and "a bright, loving and a respectful young man with so many dreams ahead of him".

Ms Shakespeare added everyone who "knew him loved him, he had a big heart and [he] always tried to help others".

"Losing him in such a cruel and senseless way has destroyed me. No mother should ever have to bury her child.

"Everyday I wake up wishing this was just a bad dream.

"My family and I are broken and all we want now is justice for my son so his soul can finally rest in peace."

Police have been in the area following the shooting early on Saturday morning

Mr Smith died at the scene, despite the best efforts of emergency services, West Midlands Police said.

Forensics experts have been examining the scene alongside door-to-door inquiries by officers.

The city's neighbourhood teams have been in the area carrying out extra patrols and supporting residents. CCTV was also being retrieved and reviewed.

Det Insp Joe Davenport, from the Homicide Unit, said: "We are offering Mr Smith's family support at this truly awful time and are keeping them updated on the investigation."

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward and urged anyone with information to call 101 or via Live Chat on the force's website.