The family of a teenager who died after he was attacked by an armed gang in Birmingham have spoken of their “profound grief”. Police said a group armed with knives attacked 15-year-old Keon Lincoln at about 3.30pm on Thursday in Handsworth. After leaving Keon critically injured, his assailants fled in a white car that crashed a short distance away. Three ambulances and a number of medics treated him at the scene for severe trauma injuries, but he died a short time later in hospital. Police have vowed to leave “no stone unturned” as they hunt for the killers. On Friday, a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murdering Keon and detained, while investigations continued at the scene of the attack on Linwood Road, a street lined with terrace houses. Forensic investigators were scouring the area for clues, and officers were speaking to witnesses and checking CCTV in the area. The car has been seized for forensic examination. Police said a postmortem examination would be carried out “in due course”. On Friday afternoon, Keon’s family paid tribute to him, describing him as “fun-loving” and with an “infectious laugh that lit up the room whenever he was in it”. They said: “It is with profound grief that we announce the passing of our beloved Keon, who was senselessly taken from us on Thursday 21st January. “Keon was a fun-loving 15-year-old who was full of life and love for his family and friends. He had an infectious laugh that lit up the room whenever he was in it. “The family is grateful for the kind support from everyone. We seek the public assistance from everyone. We seek the public assistance in sharing any information that will help the police bring justice for Keon and closure for his family. Again we thank you for your support and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this devastating loss.” DCI Alastair Orencas, of the West Midlands police homicide team, said: “The death of Keon has shocked the whole community and we have increased our patrols in the area.” Addressing the public, he said: “We are determined to apprehend those responsible for his death and bring them to justice, so I would personally appeal to anyone who is withholding information out of misguided loyalty to the offenders, to come forward. “A teenage boy has died in the most violent of circumstances and we urge you to give us any information you have.” Orencas updated the public about the latest progress in the case: “Our investigation has progressed at pace and this arrest is a positive step forward as we try to establish exactly what happened yesterday afternoon. “My thoughts are with the boy’s family, who are being supported by specialist family liaison officers at this incredibly sad and difficult time. We’re doing all we can to fully understand what took place. Violence like this on our streets is heartbreaking and deeply concerning.”