TRIBUTES led by The Enemy’s Tom Clarke have been paid to tattoo artist and local musician Mark Nesmith fatally stabbed at a Coventry petrol station.
Over 21,000 people within 24 hours expressed their support on social media after news broke that a 35-year-old was fighting for his life after the incident at the BP garage in Spon End early Sunday morning.
Police confirmed yesterday he had lost his life in hospital and his identify has been revealed by colleagues.
Mark worked at Hales Street Studios in the city centre, and had worked as an apprentice tattooist at the Grizzly Art Collective in the city centre.
It wrote on its Facebook page: “It’s with a sad heart that I have to tell you all Ness (Mark Nesmith) lost his fight for life this morning. Our love goes out to his family and girlfriend. What a shame such a lovely and talented lad. He will be missed. RIP Ness.”
Tom Clarke, former frontman of the now disbanded chart-topping Coventry band The Enemy wrote: “Today I’ve learned that Mark Nesmith, a friend and inspiration, has passed away. I first met Mark when I was 16, he was gentle, kind and incredibly intelligent and talented.
“Watching Mark sing in Akeal with the confidence he had was the inspiration I needed to begin singing. He was humble, hilarious and had a huge heart. He’ll be missed not only by his close friends and loved ones, but by all the people who were quietly influenced by him.
“Mark was a peaceful soul who died standing up to an act of despicable violence.
“… Mark’s bravery, kindness and talent will be remembered every night on this tour, without his example I might never have had the confidence to sing a note.”
Two people were overnight on Sunday/Monday.
A 21-year-old man from Coventry was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
A 23-year-old woman was detained on suspicion of assisting an offender. She has now been released on bail.
Mark had been found with serious injuries on the car park of the BP petrol station at 1.50am Sunday, June 11.
Detective Inspector Justin Spanner said: “Sadly we are now looking at a murder investigation and I would ask anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.
“Our thoughts remain with the man’s family as they come to terms with their loss.”
Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 080 555 111.
