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"Contagious smile lit up any room": Family remembers Ipswich stabbing victim Courtney Mitchell

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The family of Courtney Mitchell, 26, who died following a stabbing in Ipswich on Tuesday, has released a heartfelt tribute describing her as a "beautiful daughter, granddaughter, mummy and sister".

The family of Courtney Mitchell has shared memories of the 26-year-old mother of three who tragically lost her life in Ipswich earlier this week.

The big picture: Courtney died in hospital on Tuesday, 6 August, after being stabbed on Burrell Road, despite efforts from emergency services, including critical care paramedics from Suffolk Accident Rescue Service.

Courtney Mitchell
Courtney MitchellSuffolk Police

Key details:

  • Courtney was a mother to two sons and a daughter

  • She has been described as kind, empathetic, and always willing to help others

  • The family is calling for justice and has used hashtags #whiteribbon and #uniteagainstknifecrime in their statement

What they're saying: In a statement released through Suffolk Constabulary, Courtney's family said:

"Her contagious smile lit up any room and her laughter was the sweetest sound in our home. Her kindness had no limits, she was always there for everybody, family, friend, or stranger."

They added: "Courtney touched the lives of so many with her warmth and generosity, she was courageous and full of spirit and had a unique ability to make others feel valued and loved."

The impact: The family expressed their devastation, stating: "We are completely and utterly devastated and broken. A void will always be left and a place at the table will always be set for you."

What's next: While mourning their loss, the family has vowed to "continue to fight for her and get her the justice she deserves".

How to help: Police are still seeking information. Anyone with details can contact Suffolk Police, quoting crime reference 37/44382/24:

The bottom line: As Ipswich comes to terms with this tragedy, Courtney's family has requested privacy while they grieve their loss.

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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