Family describe Norfolk stab victim as 'well-loved'

Felizardo Jose Vieira-Balde, a factory worker who was living at the Elstow Hotel, off Stanley Terrace, Great Yarmouth, was born in Portugal in April 1999.

Police in Great Yarmouth after the fatal stabbing (Image: Newsquest) After being stabbed by Junior Suleimane in the street on February 8 last year, Mr Vieira-Balde staggered to an alleyway where he collapsed and died.

Felizardo Jose Vieira-Balde staggering away after he had been stabbed (Image: Supplied) Mr Vieira-Balde's aunt was among those on the scene in the aftermath of the attack and was described by witnesses as "screaming" her nephew had been killed.

Onlookers said she was Portuguese and spoke little English but could be heard shouting "he's dead, he's dead".

Police at scene after fatal stabbing (Image: Newsquest) Mr Vieira-Balde was identified by a member of his family at the scene.

Suleimane, formerly of Market Place, Yarmouth, was found guilty of murder by a jury at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday and will be sentenced at a date to be fixed.

Junior Suleimane (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) Paying tribute to him at the time, Mr Vieira-Balde's family described him as a "well-loved" member of the community. 

In a statement, they said: "Felizardo was a son, brother, nephew, and uncle. 

"There are no words to describe our heartbreak of losing him in the way we have.

"Felizardo was just a child and should not have been taken from us so young.

"We know Felizardo was well-loved in the community and realise there is upset and some anger at what has happened, but we urge others to allow the police and courts to see justice is served in the proper way.

"No other family should go through the devastation that we, as a family, are enduring."