Funeral fund for Doncaster murder probe teen Joe Sarpong hits £5,000 target

Teenager Joevester Takyi-Sarpong, 18, known as Joe, suffered fatal stab wounds in Catherine Street in Doncaster town centre last week, sparking a murder investigation.

Two men have since been arrested and released under investigation in connection with Joe’s death.

In the wake of the tragedy, a crowdfunding campaign was set up to give the Wheatley teen ‘the memorial he deserves’ and a ‘worthy send off.’

And the campaign has now reached its target of £5,000, with more than £5,100 pledged so far.

Family member Brigit Sarpong wrote on the page: “Joe was an affectionate and caring soul and would do anything for the people he loved. He was well respected and well liked across his town.

“Joe turned his life around and dedicated his life to God and to being a good and honourable person. He was such a bright person who loved to live his life to the fullest. He made such a significant impact on everyone and we will continue to make him proud.

“We are all devastated by Joe’s death but we want to give him the memorial he deserves to honour his memory and say our last goodbyes.

A 38-year-old man was arrested and released under investigation last week.

On 5 November, detectives arrested a 27 year-old man on suspicion of murder in connection with Joevester’s death. He has since been released under investigation.

Police are still keen to hear from anyone with information to assist the probe.

A spokesman said: "We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area of Catherine Street, Trafford Way or Saint James Street on Sunday evening (31 October) or the early hours of Monday morning, 1 November, or any motorists who may have dash cam footage relating to these locations.”

Anyone with anyone information can call 101 quoting incident number 254 of 1 November 2021. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Dash cam footage can be submitted via email to [email protected] – please put the incident number in the email subject.

Information and footage can also be uploaded via the Major Incident Police Portal (MiPP.police.uk) through the South Yorkshire Police tab.

You can donate HERE