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The man killed during a series of stabbings in Birmingham early Sunday morning has been named as Jacob Billington.
In a statement, his family said: “Jacob was the light of our life and we are devastated by his loss.
“He was a fun, loving and wonderful person who was loved by everyone he met.
“He lit up every room with his boundless energy and witty humor and the loss of such a special person will be felt by all who knew him for years to come.”
Police said 23-year-old Billington was stabbed on Irving Street around 1.52am Sunday while out with friends from Liverpool school; they were visiting one of their group who is studying in Birmingham.
Police yesterday released CCTV footage of a man they wanted to track down in connection with the attacks.
Another friend, also 23, was seriously injured and remains in hospital in critical condition.
A man was previously arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder for the stabbings.
He was taken into custody at a property in the Selly Oak area of the city around 4 a.m. Monday, West Midlands police said.
The 27-year-old, who escaped the scene, is being questioned after a great effort to locate him.
The stabbings occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
Another man, 30, who was stabbed on Livery Street, and a 22-year-old woman, attacked on Hurst Street, also remain in critical condition at the hospital.
Four others were also injured.
Birmingham Police Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Graham said: “We are working hard to find out what led to the seemingly random attacks.”
“We have no suggestion that the motive was racial, homophobic or gang related.”
He added: “Officers worked until yesterday and into the early hours of this morning in an attempt to locate the man we believe responsible for these terrible crimes.
“We posted CCTV footage of the suspect and got a strong response from the public. I would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and provided information to the investigation.
“A line of investigation finally led us to an address in the Selly Oak area this morning where a man was arrested.
“This is clearly a crucial advance, but our investigation continues.”
