The mother of a 17-year-old boy fatally stabbed outside a cinema in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, has described him as a 'loving, intelligent, and sweet' young man. Benjamin Orton was attacked near the Odeon on Coppice Side on 12 June.
His 20-year-old friend was also assaulted in the incident and remains in hospital in a stable condition. Two boys, aged 16 and 17, have been charged with murder and attempted murder. A third 17-year-old faces charges of assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice. None of the suspects have been named due to their ages.
In a statement, Benjamin's mother Amanda said: 'I feel lost for words. We still feel so shocked and I keep expecting him to just walk back through the door. Benjamin was my beautiful, beautiful boy. He was so loving, intelligent, and sweet, but really funny and cheeky too.'
She added: 'Benjamin was very popular, and I've loved hearing stories from his friends of how they could talk to him about anything. He was a good listener and he was loved so much.'
Derbyshire Police continue to appeal for witnesses to the attack, which occurred at about 22:40 BST. The force has confirmed no link to another stabbing at Eureka Park in Swadlincote three days later, where a 19-year-old man was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
