BEDFORDSHIRE
ONLINE EDITION
SIX ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH BEDFORD BOY’S MURDER
THE family of a 16-year-old boy killed in Bedford have paid tribute to their ‘lovely and popular boy’. Cemeren Yilmaz, of Roman Paddock, Harrold, who was known as Cem, was the victim of a fatal attack in Ashmead Road on Sunday night.
In a statement, his family said: “Cem was a much loved son, grandson and brother. It is a very sad loss for us as a family and we are heartbroken at his death. “He was a lovely and popular boy and had his whole life ahead of him. We would ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.” Detectives are now appealing to Cem’s friends to help them with the investigation into his death. Yesterday (Wednesday September 20) police made two further arrests, of a 40-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy, both from Bedford, on suspicion of murder, taking the total number of arrests in the investigation to six. Four people – two 19-year-old men and two 15-year-old boys, all from Bedford – had already been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. The incident happened at around 10.20pm on Sunday, September 16, 2018, in Ashmead Road, Bedford. Cem was attacked by a group of males and suffered stab wounds as well as other injuries. He was taken to hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on Monday morning. Detective Chief Inspector Michael Branston, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, investigating, said: “Our hearts go out to Cem’s family at this incredibly difficult time. We are absolutely determined to bring those responsible for this shocking attack to justice. “While we are piecing together the information about what happened, we are really keen to hear from Cem’s friends about the background to this appalling incident.”
Thursday September 20, 2018
LTFC CHAIRMAN SENDS CRITICS A CLEAR MESSAGE THE chairman of Luton Town Football Club this week gave a clear message to anyone who tries to question the Hatters directors’ motives over plans for two major developments.
Referring to the Power Court and Newlands Park proposals, David Wilkinson said: “There are those in connection with our planning applications who try to cast doubt on our motives. They don’t know us. We are a steadfast bunch.” Writing in the matchday programme for Luton’s home game against Bristol Rovers on Saturday, Mr Wilkinson pointed out that the club’s directors and investors have a combined total of 370 years as fans of the club. “It’s all about credentials and custodianship,” he said. “I doubt there is a club in the country where the current board of directors and investors have some 370 years of supporting their club. “If you include vice presidents, who are former chairmen, investors and directors, the numbers go off the chart. “The majority were born in or have a major connection to the town and have proved their resilience by continuing to support throughout adversity. We know the highs and lows. We have reached the top and touched the bottom.” Mr Wilkinson added that when 2020 Developments, which runs the club, was put together it backed a plan and ten years
by Geoff Cox on that plan is “still good”. The chairman said the directors and investors are more determined than ever to make the 17,500-capacity Power Court stadium in the town centre and the Newlands Park retail, office and leisure development at M1 Junction 10 “happen for the town and the club”. Former Hatters chairman, TV presenter Nick Owen, who is now a vice president, recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of watching his first Luton Town game. Mike Herrick saw his first match in 1957, Bob Curson, David Wilkinson and Mick Pattinson all in 1958, chief executive Gary Sweet in 1971, Paul Ballantyne the following year and Stephen Browne in 1983. “If there are any youngsters watching for the first time, can you imagine in 2078 looking back to today, as we are looking back to our first games?” asked Mr Wilkinson. “That’s why we are only custodians of this unique club and why our plans are so important.” The Power Court and Newlands Park applications, submitted in August 2016, are to be considered by Luton Council’s development control committee, probably at the end of October.
Luton 1 v Bristol Rovers 0 Match report page 40 What’s On starts on page 21