Thousands raised after hotel worker fatally stabbed

Thousands of pounds have been raised to support the five-year-old son of a woman who was fatally injured at a railway station in Walsall.

Deng Chol Majek, who the BBC understands is an asylum seeker, has been charged with Rhiannon Skye Whyte's murder.

Mr Majek had been staying at the Park Inn Hotel in Bescot Crescent, Walsall, where Ms Whyte worked.

The 27-year-old died in hospital three days after being attacked at nearby Bescot Stadium Station on 20 October.

Along with the murder charge, Mr Majek has also been accused of possession of an offensive weapon, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The Home Office has a long-standing policy of not commenting on an individual’s immigration status.

However, it is understood the hotel where Ms Whyte worked was being used to house asylum seekers.

Tributes and donations have poured in from members of the community, with almost £5,000 raised to help support her five-year-old son.

A fundraiser has been set up by Ms Whyte's sister Alexandra, who said she would now look after the boy.

The sibling said her sister had been "suddenly and brutally attacked" while speaking to her best friend on the phone, after finishing her shift.

She died three days later surrounded by loved ones, the fundraiser added.

"In the wake of this tragedy, we are raising funds to honour Rhiannon's memory and support the five-year-old son she left behind," the fundraiser reads.

"Any additional funds will go to a charity supporting victims of abuse and violence, a cause that Rhiannon, with her kind and selfless spirit, would have deeply cared about.

"Thank you for the overwhelming love and support we’ve received during this difficult time.

"Our family is grieving but we are united in carrying Rhiannon’s spirit forward."

Mr Majek appeared at Walsall Magistrates’ Court on a charge of attempted murder last Tuesday but since Ms Whyte's death the charge has been upgraded.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 19 November.

Hotel group Radisson said it was extremely saddened by the loss of a much-valued colleague.

"Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies are with Rhiannon’s family, and support is being provided to those affected as much as possible during this difficult time," it said in a statement.

Det Ch Insp Paul Attwell, of British Transport Police, added specialist officers were supporting Ms Whyte's relatives.

"Our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time," he said.

“I would again like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident and we are not seeking anyone else in connection with it.”

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