Tribute paid to Sheffield graduates killed and injured in horror knife attack

Jacob Billington and Michael Callaghan, who both studied at Sheffield Hallam University, were on a night out in Birmingham city centre when they were attacked in the early hours of Sunday, September 6.

The childhood friends, from Crosby, Merseyside, were with six other pals from school visiting one of their group who lives in Birmingham, when they were attacked.

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Jacob, aged 23, was killed after being stabbed in his neck.

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Michael, also 23, was seriously injured in the attack and underwent emergency surgery to save his life.

Six other members of the public were also injured in the incident.

Jacob and Michael, who were in a band The Vedetts, attended Sacred Heart Catholic College before moving to Sheffield to study for degrees.

The college said in a statement: “We are saddened at the events in Birmingham which took Jacob's life and left Michael critically injured.

“We are praying for Michael's recovery and will never forget Jacob, his life touched so many in our school.”

Mr Billington still lived in Sheffield and worked as a graduate intern at Sheffield Hallam University.

In another tribute, the university said: “Jacob was a Sheffield Hallam graduate and had joined the library as a graduate intern, where his warmth and enthusiasm made him a greatly valued member of our team.”

Zephaniah McLeod, 27, of Nately Grove, Selly Oak, Birmingham, has been charged with murder and seven counts of attempted murder.