Family of stabbing victim offers condolences to community

The heartbroken family of a loving father stabbed to death in a fatal attack in broad daylight last weekend have paid tribute to the community for standing together during this time of need.

Last Sunday at 4.23pm, emergency services were called to the junction of Burton Road and Rotherham Road in Monk Bretton after receiving reports of an altercation between a group of men.

Upon arrival, they found Alan Sutton, known to friends and family as Algi, suffering from suspected stab wounds to the chest.

Despite all efforts of the first responders, his death was confirmed at the scene of the accident.

The incident shocked the entire community. Countless people paid their last respects to the 41-year-old online and by laying flowers near the scene of the accident.

Although the news was a shock to everyone, it hit his devastated family the hardest.

Algi's father, also called Alan, thanked the local community for their well-wishes this week.

He told the Chronicle: “I would like to thank the people of Monk Bretton, we have received some kind words and thoughts.

“Almost 3,000 posts have been published on my Facebook wall.

“I'm really overwhelmed by the support we've gotten from people, not just from Monk Bretton, but from all over Barnsley and all over the world. We've even had messages from America and Australia.

“But it's hard when you're trying to carry on and put on a brave face and then it hits you like a punch in the back of the head.”

Father and son were incredibly close, especially because of their shared passion for motorcycles.

Algi has loved motorbikes “since he was a little boy” and he and his father have spent years working for the Proud of Barnsley award-winning Wombwell Dragons Motorcycle Club, taking part in numerous events to raise money for charity.

“Together we have raised thousands and thousands of pounds for charity,” added Alan from Wombwell.

“We also did funeral processions and weddings, he was very involved in all of that and really loved it.

“Now that the road is open again, we hope to be able to organize a large biker convoy for him.

“He was very well known in the biker community and I know some of them were already there to lay flowers for him.”

His death also leaves a gap in the lives of his partner Diana Shepherd and his two children, Rhys (23) and six-year-old Harley.

Diana said: “He was a great father – he adored his son and daughter and was proud of them – they were his everything.

“He was a community man and would have done anything to help others if he could.

“He was my soul mate and the love of my life.

“My heart and the hearts of his children are broken into a million pieces, as are those of his family and friends.”

“We are overwhelmed by all the support. It is overwhelming and I cannot express how much we appreciate it.”

The police reacted quickly and arrested seven people during the week, one of whom was charged with murder.

Callum Strachan, 21, of Burton Road, Monk Bretton, appeared before Barnsley Magistrates' Court yesterday where he was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday.

Four other people were arrested, two on suspicion of murder – a 19-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man – a 41-year-old man on suspicion of rioting and assault, and another 40-year-old man on suspicion of rioting, criminal damage, possession of a weapon and assault. They have all been released on bail pending further investigations.

A 50-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of affray, a 36-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of affray and perverting the course of justice – both are still in police custody.

Lead investigator, Detective Chief Inspector Ben Wood, added: “Our investigation into Alan’s tragic death continues at full speed.

“We have arrested several people within hours of the incident and would welcome any information that may assist us in our investigation into this incident.”

“Our thoughts are with Alan’s family during this difficult time.”