THE sister of a young man, who was brutally murdered in a Bradford park during a disturbance over an innocent game of football, has made an emotional plea to the community to hand in his killer to police.

Beyake Keita Ann, 21, died in hospital from serious head injuries, three weeks after he and his friends were attacked in Attock Park, Bradford Moor, by a mob brandishing machetes, sticks and baseball bats.

The father and sister of Beyake Keita Ann make an emotional plea for information about his murder

The armed gang had been summoned to the scene by two Asian men who were involved in an altercation with the footballers after their ball hit a parked car.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Scott, who is leading the murder investigation, said Beyake was an innocent bystander.

“Beyake was sat to the side of the pitch, not involved in this disorder in any way, shape or form. However, he was brutally attacked, being struck around the head.”

The disturbance took place at about 8pm on Tuesday, August 23.

Mr Keita Ann, a Spanish Muslim of Gambian descent, only came to the UK in May to find work to support himself and his family, and loved to play football with his friends.

His sister, Danlo Keita Ann, supported by his tearful father Lahami Keita, spoke through an interpreter to urge the public to come forward.

She said: “When Beyake was killed our whole family was completely destroyed. We can’t believe that we won’t get to see our lovely boy again, who was only 21-years-old and had his whole life to look forward to.

“Beyake was a gentle, quiet and happy boy, kind-hearted and would help anyone. For Beyake to be taken from us at such a young age is heartbreaking.We appeal to people in the community to come forward with information. Someone out there saw what happened and knows who did this.”

Nine people have been arrested during the police inquiry. Six men, aged between 17 and 32, remain on police bail.

Det Chief Insp Scott said: “I am appealing for witnesses to this offence. Beyake did not come from the community around Attock Park. However, he was brutally murdered there.”

Anyone with information can call the police incident room on 01924 821441, or via 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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