26 Apr 2009

England star Defoe's brother killed in assault

9:23 am on 26 April 2009

Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe sat out the away loss to Manchester United in the Premier League after police revealed his half-brother had been killed in a brutal assault.

Defoe, who has only recently recovered from a long-term injury, did not travel to Old Trafford for the 5-2 loss to the league leaders.

Jade Defoe, 26, died late on Friday from serious head injuries.

Police say they don't believe any weapon was used during the attack in London.