Leadmill tribute to Sheffield student killed in Birmingham stabbing spree

Jacob Billington, 23, a Sheffield university graduate, died after being stabbed at around 4am on Sunday morning during a shocking rampage by a knifeman in the West Midlands city.

Now Sheffield’s famous Leadmill club has paid tribute to Jacob with a gallery of photos in his honour.

Shared on Facebook, a club spokesman wrote: “We’re extremely saddened to hear about the death of Leadmill regular, Jacob Billington, who sadly lost his life in this weekend’s horrific events in Birmingham.

“His friends sent us in these wonderful photos to help remember him, which they have asked us to share in his memory.

“Please join us in sending our thoughts and love to all of Jacob’s family and friends through such a difficult time.”

Jacob lived in Sheffield and was a graduate of Sheffield Hallam University and was visiting a friend in Birmingham at the time of his death.

His family in Liverpool, which is where Jacob hails from, described him as "the light of their life" with West Midlands Police confirming that a man has been arrested in connection with his death.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "The man who sadly lost his life in yesterday’s (Sunday’s) stabbings in Birmingham has today been described as ‘the light of our life’ by his family.

"Jacob Billington was just 23 when he was stabbed in Irving Street as he was out with school friends from Liverpool visiting one of their group who is studying in Birmingham.

In a heart-wrenching statement said: “Jacob was the light of our life and we have been devastated by his loss.

“He was a funny, caring and wonderful person who was loved by every single person he met.

"He lit up every room with his boundless energy and witty humour and the loss of such a special person will be felt by all who knew him for years to come."

A man remains in custody on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder.