Tributes paid to 'beautiful boy' fatally stabbed in Somerset

Tributes have been paid to a "beautiful" 16-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Somerset.

Emergency services were called to a car park in The Street, Radstock, at around 6.40pm on Sunday (31 July) after reports of disorder involving a number of people.

Charley Bates, who lived in the area, was found critically injured and despite the efforts of paramedics, died at the scene.

On Wednesday, the teenager’s family said: “Our beautiful Charley Boy. We are all so very proud of you. You are desperately missed by so many.”

Joshua Delbono, of Slipps Close, Frome, was charged with murder on Tuesday and was due to appear at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Three other people have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into Charley’s death.

A 20-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder, while another man, also 18, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

The woman has now been released under investigation, while the two men remain in police custody for further questioning.

Avon and Somerset Police said Year 11 pupils in the area are being offered support by school staff, while youth workers have set up a drop-in for any young person affected by the incident.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to call 101 and give the reference 5222182800.