THE family of Adrian Palmer, who was killed in an attack four years ago this week, have launched a fund to help young people suffering from Asperger’s syndrome.

Mr Palmer, of Tenbury Wells, who suffered from the illness, was just 21 when he was found dead in the street in 2006.

A man was subsequently convicted of his manslaughter and a report, which was highly critical of police actions during the run-up to the attack, was published earlier in this year. It concluded that Mr Palmer was badly let down.

Now Margaret Palmer, his 63-year-old grandmother, has revealed plans to launch a national fund – Aid Aspergers – in memory of Adrian. Mrs Palmer said: “There is no doubt that Adrian was very badly let down and not just by the police but also by social services.

“When young people reach the age of 18, there is simply no help for them and they are just left to fend for themselves.

“They then become very isolated and their self-esteem collapses. But with proper help and support, people with Asperger’s can work and lead productive lives.”

She said that the fund already had £25,000 in the pot, including money raised by a recent golf event at Cleobury Mortimer, added to money that Adrian had at the time of his death and a payment from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Details of how people can make donations to the fund will be available soon.