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A devoted Midland dad was allegedly battered to death with a cricket bat after confronting teens he suspected of stealing his children's bikes.

Derek Whyteside, 42, was attacked in the street in broad daylight less than mile from his home.

He was rushed to hospital with a fractured skull and placed in an induced coma but died hours later of horrific head injuries.

His devastated partner claims the dad-of-three had been smashed round the head with a cricket bat, "jumped on" and punched.

Writing on Facebook , Michelle Beddall claimed: "Sum one thought it wud b ok to wrap a cricket bat round his head. While he's dyin on the floor.

"He's been jumped on and punched in the face."

Hours earlier, Michelle posted an appeal on Facebook after two teenagers were seen stealing a pair of mountain bikes from outside their home in Telford, Shropshire.

She claimed: "Two boys have just stolen two bikes from outside my house. A black and grey Carrera boys mountain bike and a pink and black girls mountain bike."

Hours later, Derek was found lying in a pool of blood and unconscious a mile away in the town at 4.30pm on Monday.

A neighbour said he thinks Mr Whyteside was attacked while trying to retrieve the bicycles.

One said: "Derek was a wonderful dad, completely devoted to his family.

"What looks to have happened is he found out somehow who took his kids' bikes, tried to get them back and was battered to death for his troubles.

"It's absolutely horrifying to think he was killed over something like this. No one deserves to be left to die in the street.

"Michelle and the kids are in absolute bits. It's an absolute nightmare and everyone round here is appalled and very angry about what has happened."

Another claimed: "There are gangs of young people around here who frankly believe that they are above the law.

"There is very little parental discipline and the police are already run ragged.

"It's getting worse and I know of people, particularly old folk, who are simply too scared to walk out their doors."

In an emotional tribute to Derek, his family said: "He was a nice guy, he was loveable and could always see the best in people and if he considered you a friend he would strive never to let you down.

"He would always be there for you and was very proud of his extended family.

"He was a fab dad to his partner's children, very protective, cheeky and loving and always meant well. He was Michelle's world and was so good to her.

"He was a great brother too.

"We can't understand why anyone would do this."

Devastated friends paid tribute to Mr Whyteside on Facebook.

One wrote: "Rest in peace Derek Whyteside this should never of happen ...Thinking of his girlfriend. His children and sister. At this very sad time."

Another added: "I’m in absolute shock I cannot believe this happened to such a nice and decent person."

And one posted on Wednesday: "Lost my love my world at 3.20 this morning. Fly high. Sleep tight."

Six people were arrested in connection with the attack. A woman aged 38 and two teenage boys have been released on bail.

A 16-year-old boy was charged with murder and appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at Stafford Crown Court at a future date.

Two men, aged 41 and 39, were also detained on suspicion of the same offence on Tuesday night and released on police bail.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said paramedics treated the man for head injuries before he was airlifted to hospital for emergency treatment.

Inspector Mark Bellamy, from West Mercia Police, said: "Our thoughts are with the family at this time and we offer them our deepest sympathy, we continue to have specially trained officers offering them support and will continue to do so throughout our investigation.

"The local community will play a significant role in our enquiries and, while I am grateful for the people who have already come forward and spoken to us, this is now a murder investigation and it is vitally important anyone who has any information and has not yet spoken to us gets in contact."

Superintendent Tom Harding said previously: "Incidents of this nature have a significant impact on our local communities and I will ensure we have officers in the local area over the coming days to offer reassurance to local residents.

"Anyone who is concerned can speak to an officer on patrol or call us."