'Heart of gold' dad-of-two killed in pub stabbing

A father-of-two who died after being stabbed outside a pub has been described by his family as a "happy lad" who was "full of life" and had a "heart of gold".

Ayden Cooper, 25, was found with serious injuries in the car park of the Beggars Bush pub on Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, shortly before 02:00 BST on Sunday and was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a tribute released through West Midlands Police, his parents said they never imagined they would be burying their son just weeks before his 26th birthday.

"Ayden was a happy lad. He was a son, brother, husband, uncle and father to two beautiful children," they said.

"Ayden was full of life and had a heart of gold and just a few weeks shy of his 26th birthday and we never thought as a mother and father we would be burying our son at such a young age.

"We are all still in shock and this is a very difficult and devastating time for our family.

"We ask that anyone with any information comes forward."

Flowers and messages were left outside the Beggars Bush earlier this week as detectives continued their investigation.

West Midlands Police said officers were reviewing hours of CCTV footage and speaking to people who were at the pub at the time.

Local officers would remain in the area while inquiries continue, a spokesperson added.

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