Delaney Brown murder: Grandfather's 'stop the killing' plea

The grandfather of a teenager murdered when he was run over by a car in Luton has called on young people to stop killing each other.

Delaney Brown Sr made the plea three weeks to the day after his grandson, of the same name, was killed when he was struck by a silver BMW in Vincent Road.

Police believe he was deliberately knocked off his bicycle on 5 September.

Detectives have made three arrests in connection with the case but are still appealing for people to come forward.

They believe Mr Brown, 19, was targeted as part of a neighbourhood family feud, and have confirmed he was a member of a gang.

Mr Brown Sr said: "We want to be able to stop this postcode nonsense that's going on by meeting parents from Marsh Farm and Lewsey Farm and say to our children: 'We're working together for our young people, so stop killing each other.'"

Reading a statement at a press conference at Luton police station, he appealed for those involved in his grandson's murder to come forward.

"I know what a difficult thing this is to do, but it will live in your conscience forever if you don't," he said.

"Please contact the police. We don't want to see another young person hurt and would hate to see another family go through what we have.

"There is no animosity here. As a family we have forgiven those responsible.

"People say they don't want to help the police. This isn't about helping them; it is about helping us."

'Not perfect'

Delaney Brown was run over by a car on 5 September

He said his grandson was a talented young man who loved music and fashion and was a "brilliant" artist.

He enjoyed writing and making music in his studio at home, he added.

Det Ch Insp Steve Collin of Bedfordshire Police said: "I do not pretend that Delaney was perfect.

"Would the general public regard him, his associates and those involved in his death as being part of a gang? Then I would say 'yes'.

"But Delaney and the principal suspect were, I am told, school and family friends, but in more recent times they had fallen out, resulting in his death.

"My appeal is for people who know of this matter to come forward. Look at Delaney. Tell me he does not deserve to know how his grandchild died."

Police have so far arrested three people: A 26-year-old man, who was released without charge, and two teenagers, aged 18 and 16, who have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.