Shirebrook residents show fantastic community spirit for murder victim's funeral fundraiser as ninth person is arrested

Members of the Shirebrook community have united to raise thousands of pounds for the funeral of a murder victim whose body was found at allotments last month.
By Katrina Taylor
Published 26th Feb 2020, 11:45 BST
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An event was held on February 22 was to raise money for the funeral costs of Andrew Jackson, after his body was found at the allotments near Prospect Drive, Shirebrook on January 26.

The Soldiers – Shirebrook Ex-Servicemen’s Club was packed with residents who raised a huge £4,741 to cover the funeral costs of the much-loved Shirebrook man.

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Sarah Brooks on behalf of The Soldiers said: “It was an amazing night and one we will not forget.

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Andrew Jackson.Andrew Jackson.
Andrew Jackson.

“We would like to thank every single business and every member of the Shirebrook community who dug deep and donated towards paying for Andrew ‘Catman’ Jackson’s funeral.

We have raised a huge amount of money, and he will get the send off he truly deserves.”

Kevin Potter, who described Mr Jackson as a ‘kind, gentle soul,’ braved a head shave, raising an impressive £2,430 in sponsorship.

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He even roped in his brother, David Potter, at the last minute to have his head shaved too.

Brothers David and Kevin Potter after their sponsored head shave.Brothers David and Kevin Potter after their sponsored head shave.
Brothers David and Kevin Potter after their sponsored head shave.

Nicola Crew from Xclusiv Hair & Beauty shaved their heads in front of the packed club.

Donations also came in from the Scooter Club, the Snack Shack and PayPal donations.

A murder investigation was launched following Mr Jackson’s death.

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A 26-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday, February 25 as part of the ongoing murder investigation, taking the total number of people arrested to nine.

Nicola Crew shaving Kevin Potter's head during the fundraiserNicola Crew shaving Kevin Potter's head during the fundraiser
Nicola Crew shaving Kevin Potter's head during the fundraiser

The other eight suspects have all been released on bail while inquiries continue.

Anyone with any information that may help inquiries is asked to contact Derbyshire Police quoting reference number 20*049022 using the following methods.

Facebook – send the force a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary

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Twitter – direct message their contact centre on @DerPolContact

Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.

Phone – call us on 101.

Crimestoppers have also put up a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Mr Jackson’s murder.