Wolverhampton stabbing: 'Well-loved' teenager, 19, was 'on a family trip' to the UK from Caribbean island to 'receive medical treatment' when he was knifed to death near primary school - as two boys, 12, remain in custody

A teenage boy stabbed to death near a primary school came to the UK from his Caribbean home 'for medical treatment', MailOnline can exclusively reveal.

Shawn Seesahai, who was from the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla, had come to the UK with his parents for eye surgery to stop glaucoma that could have made him go blind, before staying with a family friend for his recovery.

However, tragically the 'well-loved' 19-year-old was knifed to death in playing fields in Wolverhampton on Monday night, leaving his family grieving for the 'courageous, compassionate and confident young soul'.

Emergency services had rushed to Laburnum Road, East Park, in Bilston, but the 'vibrant' teenager, who had been with friends at the time, was sadly pronounced dead shortly before 8.30pm.

Police have launched a murder investigation, and officers have since arrested two 12-year-old boys on suspicion of Mr Seesahai's killing. West Midlands Police says it has been given a warrant of further detention to question them.

In a tribute released through police today, his mother said: 'Shawn Seesahai was a courageous, compassionate and confident young soul who sadly lost his life at the age of 19.

'He was looking forward to accomplish many future plans and ambitions. He cared dearly about his family and friends and he absolutely loved to help people. He was a generous person and had a good personality.

'We will always have him in our hearts.'

Speaking to MailOnline, his uncle Ryan Shiwcharan, who lives in the US, said Shawn had travelled to Britain three months ago for surgery to treat his glaucoma. The degenerative eye condition can cause blindness if left untreated, especially in younger patients.  

The teenager was allowed to have treatment in the UK as Anguilla, the Caribbean island where his family is from, is a British Overseas Territory.

Mr Shiwcharan said his nephew was a 'well-loved young man' and that his heartbroken parents are now desperately trying to get his body back to Anguilla so they can perform his last rites.

His uncle described Shawn as a 'vibrant' man who 'tragically lost his life in a senseless act of violence while on a family trip to the UK'.

It said: 'Shawn was enjoying time in the park with a friend when he was brutally beaten and stabbed to death. Our hearts are shattered, and words cannot express the pain.

'We are now faced with the urgent need to bring Shawn back home to Anguilla, where his family can say their final goodbyes and find some semblance of peace. 

'The unimaginable grief is compounded by the financial strain of arranging for his body to be transported.'

His family have set up a fundraiser in a bid to meet the costs of transporting Shawn back to Anguilla. 

'We humbly ask for your support during this devastating time. Your contributions will play a vital role in helping Shawn's family cover the expenses associated with bringing him home. 

'No donation is too small, and every act of kindness will be a beacon of light in the midst of this profound darkness. Let us come together to honour Shawn's memory and provide his family with the support they need during this heartbreaking journey.'

West Midlands Police revealed on Wednesday it had arrested two adolescents on suspicion of Shawn's murder. The pair were detained at their home addresses on Tuesday night and remain in custody, the force said.

Residents living close to the scene spoke of their shock after the two boys were arrested.

One homeowner on Laburnum Road, who did not want to be named, said: 'The first I heard of it was when the police went belting along the road the other night.

'It was obvious something major had gone on. There were so many sirens. There's always kids hanging about up there but nothing like this has ever happened.

'I've no idea what it was all over, but it's terrifying something like this so close to home.

'To learn two young boys have been arrested is just utterly shocking. They are just babies really.'

Another local, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'I usually sit at the back of my house so can't see what's going on but I heard all the police the other night.

'It was only through speaking to neighbours that I heard a young man had died up there.

'I'm 80 now and lived here all my life. It's got worse and worse over the years. To hear children might be involved is terrible.'

Speaking after news of the arrests was made public, DCI Dave Sanders, from the West Midlands Police homicide team, said: 'Our thoughts remain with Shawn's family, who have been fully updated with this latest development.

'Our investigation is moving at pace and we continue to encourage anyone with information to contact us.'

The force has urged any witnesses who were in the area from between 6pm and 10pm on Monday, November 13, to get in touch.

Officers were seen conducting door-to-door enquiries, speaking to witnesses and trawling CCTV from around the area.

A police spokesman said: 'Some roads near the scene have been closed off as forensic experts carry out their examinations.

'We also have extra patrols out in the surrounding area to offer reassurance to people and discuss any concerns they may have.'

Speaking before the arrests DCI Sanders said: 'While our thoughts remain with Shawn's family, our focus is on identifying exactly what has happened and bringing those responsible before the courts.

'Enquiries are continuing and we're asking motorists who were in the area to take a look at their dashcam as it may hold images or details which could be vital to our investigation.

'And we'd urge anyone who has information, and hasn't yet spoken with us, to come forward.'

West Midlands Ambulance Service said they sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and two Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Cars to the scene.

A service spokesman said: 'Crews arrived to discover a man who had suffered serious injuries in the incident and was in a critical condition.

'They immediately began administering advanced life support but sadly, despite their best efforts, it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.'

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or via Live Chat quoting log 4878 of November 13.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can donate to the family's GoFundMe page here.