DEVASTATED family members are hoping to raise £1,500 to give Cradley Heath murder victim Martin Briggs the best possible send-off.

The 47-year-old father-of-three was found with dead at his Corngreaves Walk home shortly before midday on November 13 after being fatally stabbed in his neck.

Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, Martin’s family are determined to pay tribute to him at his funeral.

The wife of Martin’s nephew Thomas, KellyAnn King, has set up a justgiving page in the hope of raising enough money to cover the funeral costs.

KellyAnn told the News: “A number of people wanted to donate to Martin's funeral, which will help his dad and also take some of the stress off him.

“Family and friends are devastated – along with everyone who knew him – that such a thing has happened to a man who would help anyone.

“We have got very happy memories with Martin. Along with holidays abroad, Martin was a very funny man, so every time you would see him you had a laugh, or if you were down he just cheered you up.

“Our last memory of him was our wedding in July.”

To donate to Martin’s funeral fund, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/martinbriggsfuneralfund.

An inquest into Martin’s death heard an incident had taken place in Corngreaves Walk at about 6pm on November 12 involving Martin and the suspected offender – who is said to be known to the victim.

But before his body was discovered, the 43-year-old suspect had already been arrested on suspicion of three other assaults which took place that day.

Police have not yet had the opportunity to interview the suspect – who has not been charged – due to him being sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

KellyAnn added: “The family are currently in limbo, anxiously awaiting justice, although this could take some time before we can lay Martin to rest.

“We are aware that Martin had only just returned home when the attack happened.

“Had he of gotten home 20 minutes later, this probably wouldn’t have happened and he would still be here today.”

She added: “It appears that Martin was an innocent victim of somebody else’s family domestic issue.”