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 1 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 earlier today. They are:

• Kai Donachie, 23, of Bilborough Road, Nottingham
• 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 with us online using this link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM25A69-PO1

Alternatively, you can use one of the following methods, quoting reference 25*316183:

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: use our online contact form
• Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• Phone – call us on 101 

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