A 17-YEAR-old boy who was stabbed to death in a rural village has been pictured for the first time as his family pay tribute.
Emergency services were scrambled to the scene in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, on Thursday, after receiving reports a teenager had sustained serious injuries.
Tristan Shae Kerr, from the village, tragically passed away at the scene, despite the best efforts of medics.
Five people have since been arrested in connection with the stabbing, police said.
Three men, a 26-year-old from London, a 24-year-old from Abertridwr and an 18-year-old from Cardiff, were arrested on suspicion of murder.
And, two women, a 28-year-old from Hereford and 24-year-old from Senghenydd, were both arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
A fundraiser was set up in Tristan’s memory, and has so far brought in over £4,000.
Close friend Jack Pring, 25, who set up the fundraiser, said Tristan had “his whole life ahead of him” and described his pal as “a boy with pure potential in life.”
Tristan’s aunt Rachel Spriggs described him as “fiercely protective” and “loyal.”
She led a tribute from the grieving family, saying: “Our precious boy has lost his life to a tragic incident.
“He had his whole life ahead of him and will never have the opportunity to fulfil his dreams and potential in what he could have achieved in life.
“His love for his dog Karma, sports and the thrill of riding motorbikes never went unnoticed.
“Tristan’s short lived life was full of fun, mischief and happiness.
“He was a charming young man, loyal to his family and friends and had a smile that lit up a room.
“A cheeky chappy who everyone knew and was loved for his spontaneity.
“Tristan was a mummy’s boy and always had her wrapped around his finger and could never do any wrong.
“He was fiercely protective over his siblings and the mirror image of his Dad – if Tristan was asked he would always say he was much better looking.
“He was close to his uncles, aunties, brothers, sisters, cousins and his grandparents.
“To his friends he was known as Kerr and was always loyal to them.”
Paying tribute to the teen, best pal Jack Pring said: “My brother Tristan was 17 years of age; he lit up every room he walked in with his infectious smile and energy.
“He had a heart of a lion and did not deserve this.
“The community is broken to pieces and this should have never happened.
“I hope something can change with knife crime because this isn’t right and I don’t think our community will ever recover from it.”
A balloon ceremony is being held on Monday evening next to the village YMCA in memory of Tristan.
