Defoe's brother dies after attack

The brother of England footballer Jermaine Defoe died last night after a street attack, it emerged today.

Jade Defoe, 26, suffered serious head injuries in a brutal assault on Monday afternoon in Leytonstone, east London.

He was taken to a central London hospital where he died last night.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “We do not believe a weapon was used during the assault. We retain an open mind as to any motive and inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”

A 28-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in connection with the investigation.

He was released on bail, but was re-arrested yesterday on suspicion of the same offence and remains in custody at an east London police station.

A post-mortem examination will be held at East Ham mortuary today.

Jade Defoe, also known as Gavin and Esco Bars, was popular as a grime MC on the urban music scene.

Half-brother Jermaine Defoe did not travel with his Tottenham Hotspur team mates yesterday for their match with Manchester United tonight because of Jade’s death.

A club spokesman said: “It is a private matter and we await details.”