DETECTIVES investigating the brutal murder of a “kind-hearted” man in a Bradford park have issued a fresh appeal for information on what would have been his 22nd birthday.

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 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.

Officers will be returning to the scene at 1pm today, where an appeal video featuring Beyake’s sister, Danlo, and father, Lahami, will be played as police continue to urge people to come forward with information.

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.

In the emotional video, his sister said the family was “completely destroyed” by his death, adding: “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.”

Fifteen men have been questioned by detectives as part of the investigation, nine of whom are currently on bail as enquiries continue.

The investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Ian Scott, of the Homicide and Major Enquiries Team, who said Mr Keita Ann had been “brutally attacked” as an “innocent bystander”, having not played any role in the disorder prior to the incident.

He said yesterday: “Beyake was a young man who today should have been celebrating his 22nd birthday with family and friends.

“Instead of celebrating it with him, they will be remembering his life at what is and continues to be a very sad time for them.

“We are committed to getting justice for Beyake and his family and finding out who it was that inflicted his fatal injuries.

“We again ask for anyone who was at the park that night, or anyone who may have information and has not yet come forward, to speak with us and tell us what they know.

“They may have that vital piece of information which will help us to solve this murder, and provide Beyake’s family with the answers they are so desperately searching for.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiries Team at West Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting crime reference 13160363829, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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