Tom Kirwan Trust launched in memory of knife victim

The family of a fatal knife crime victim are launching a charitable trust on the first anniversary of his death.

Tom Kirwan, 23, who worked in a factory in Shropshire, was stabbed near the Uberra Club in Wolverhampton on 8 July.

The trust will raise money for Victim Support and a foundation educating young people about knife crime.

His girlfriend, Jade Elwell, said: "To know that no-one is serving time for his murder means it's even more heartbreaking."

Before Tom was fatally wounded, a fight broke out near the Uberra club.

Four men and two women, all teenagers, have been charged with affray.

'Horrendous' year

Det Insp Warren Hines said he believed someone knew who killed Mr Kirwan.

"My belief is that at sometime in their life they are going to have to disclose that information to somebody.

"I'd really like to urge them to do it sooner rather than later for the sake of Tom's family who need to move on with their own lives," he added.

Girlfriend Jade Elwell said knowing that no-one was serving time for Tom's murder was "heartbreaking"

He said that West Midlands Police had "a good track record" of dealing with witnesses who may feel vulnerable or intimidated.

Ms Elwell said she and the family believed the police were doing "everything they can".

She said the last year has been "horrendous".

"It still feels very raw - with the anniversary coming up, to me it still feels like it happened last weekend to be honest," she said.

Mr Kirwan's death was discussed in Parliament and the government said it would review sentences for knife crime.

Mr Kirwan's family started a petition calling for similar punishments for people convicted of having a knife as those who carry guns.

Mr Hines said West Midlands Police "never give up on murder inquiries" and the case would be constantly reviewed and re-investigated "for however long it takes".