Family pays tribute to Ilkeston teenager Liam

The family of a teenager who died after an incident in Ilkeston have described him as their “ray of sunshine” in a moving tribute.

Liam Derrett was on a night out with friends when he was assaulted on the Market Place in the early hours of Sunday 1st June.

The 19-year-old died in hospital two days later.

His family have now issued a photograph of Liam, who lived in Ilkeston, and have paid tribute to him.

They said: “Liam brings amazing energy wherever he goes and makes everyone’s day brighter. He is our little ray of sunshine.

“He found his love for snowboarding for the first time this year and was looking forward to going with his friends and family in 2026.

“To have him taken from us is truly heartbreaking and we are completely devastated, but the love and support from friends, family and the people of Ilkeston over the last few days has truly humbled us.”

Five people have been arrested in connection with Liam’s death so far. Two men have been charged with murder and appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on 5th June. They are 23-year old Kai Donachie, 23, of Bilborough Road, Nottingham and Joshua Harris, 24, of Little Hallam Lane, Ilkeston

Two women aged 18 and 19, and a 19-year-old man, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, remain on bail pending further inquiries.

Detectives are reissuing an appeal for information on the incident and want to hear from anyone who witnessed it or has details that may help.

You can share information online using this link.

Alternatively, use any of the following contact routes, quoting incident reference 120 of 1st June.

• Website – There are reporting tools at www.derbyshire.police.uk/
• Facebook – send a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• X (Twitter) – direct message the contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call the non-emergency number 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.