The family of a schoolboy who was stabbed to death in Westminster have paid tribute to him as police arrest two men in the ongoing murder investigation.
Ahmed Yasin-Ali, 18, was found injured in Elmfield Way, Maida Vale, at around 12.30am on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said.
Police officers gave him first aid and land and air ambulance crews were called, but he died in hospital shortly after 1am.
In a statement issued by Scotland Yard, his family said: ‘Our beloved son, brother and friend peacefully passed away on Wednesday morning. He was loved by all and will forever be missed.
The family of Ahmed Yasin-Ali, 18, have paid tribute to him after he was stabbed to death
‘Caring, loving, and by far the most clean-hearted of us all. He wanted nothing but good for everyone and himself, striving hard in his school work and job to make it to university in order to provide our family with a better life.’
A memorial appeal launched on GoFundMe has raised more than £10,000 target.
The family say the money will be used to create a well in his name and to go toward funeral costs.
They added any leftover funds will be donated to charities.
The family added: ‘Our family wants to prevent such devastating acts from happening ever again, this means that we are fully cooperating with the police and respect the law.
‘The last thing we need is any retaliation or revenge.
‘We as Muslims forgive those who so painfully took away our precious and beautiful son. Forever in our hearts, our neighbourhood hero.’
On Friday, a 23-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were both arrested on suspicion of murder, the Metropolitan Police said. They remain in custody.
Detectives have appealed for anybody who may have heard a disturbance on Elmfield Way or seen a vehicle driving at speed on the nearby Harrow Road around the time of the incident to come forward.
Det Chief Insp Vicky Tunstall said: ‘Ahmed’s family are devastated by the loss of their son and brother and we are working tirelessly to investigate the circumstances surrounding his murder.
‘Ahmed was only 18 years old, had his whole life ahead of him and had aspirations to attend university, so this is a particularly tragic and wasted loss of life.
Officers stand at the scene after Ahmed was found injured in the latest stabbing in London
‘I would also like to appeal to those in the community who may hear, or know information about this tragic death.
‘I can assure you, this information will be treated with sensitivity and care, and I ask you to trust that we will take appropriate action and can provide complete confidentiality, if that is your concern.
‘Importantly, as a specialist command, we are working very closely with the local police to ensure the safety of the community during this time, and ask that you support us in this and provide information, regardless of the relevance it may or may not have.
‘I am determined to ensure those responsible for his death are brought to justice as swiftly as possible.’
It comes as seven people have been killed in London in the past seven days alone as the capital begins to emerge from lockdown.
Met police officers, who have no arrested two on suspicion of murder, on scene where Ahmed Yasin-Ali was stabbed to death in Maida Vale in the early hours of Wednesday morning
London has seen a series of unrelated shootings and stabbings prompting the Met Police to step up patrols this weekend.
In the latest incidence of violence, two men have been stabbed tonight in London’s main financial district.
The City of London Police say the attack took place at Broadgate Circle at about 11pm.
In a statement on Twitter the force said: ‘Our officers are currently dealing with an isolated incident in Broadgate Circle, in which two people have been stabbed.
‘Their injuries are not thought to be life threatening and they are being treated by @Ldn_Ambulance.’
It is understood the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
Anyone with information about the death of Ahmed Yasin-Ali is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD reference 185/15Jul, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.