Arthur Labinjo-Hughes’ grandmother cries as memorial balloons released

Tributes filled the sky at a vigil held in front of the murdered six-year-old’s former home

Arthur’s maternal grandmother had been stopped from seeing her grandson since 2019 (PA)

The maternal grandmother of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes has been pictured crying as balloons were let loose to commemorate him.

Madeleine Halcrow, who was attending her grandson’s vigil Sunday, was seen wearing a t-shirt bearing a photograph of Arthur.

Ms Halcrow had been stopped from seeing her grandson since 2019 after he moved in with his father Thomas Hughes, 29, and stepmother Emma Tustin, 32.

Madeleine Harcrow being consoled at the vigil for her murdered grandson. (PA)

Tustin, who was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, left Arthur with a fatal brain injury after she beat him, poisoned him with salt and starved him while he was in her sole care.

Hughes was also found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 21 years for “encouraging” violence towards his son.

The vigil, organised by neighbour Kerry Vines, was held outside the address where Arthur was killed by Tustin.

A large crowd gathered on Cranmore Road in Solihull to let off balloons in tribute to the six-year-old boy.

Attendees were heard saying ‘Bye Arthur’ and ‘Fly high always’. (PA)

The crowd clapped as balloons soared into the sky, some including strings of letters reading ‘Arthur.’ Attendees placed posters and drawings in front of the boarded-up property where Arthur lived. Some could be heard saying goodbye to the six-year-old.

A line formed outside the house before balloons, posters and flowers were placed around the property. The words “You are loved, Arthur“ were placed on the boarded-up windows.

A Birmingham City flag was also placed at the scene, alongside a picture of Arthur.

Additional reporting by PA