Fatal stabbing of teen filmed by onlookers
AN 18-year-old Afghan refugee was stabbed to death as onlookers filmed the horrific attack on their phones.
Witnesses with footage of the killing were urged to contact police immediately rather than post the distressing images on social media.
Hazrat Wali was reportedly stabbed on a footbridge shortly before 5pm on Tuesday then staggered on to playing fields, near Twickenham rugby stadium in south-west London.
He was rushed to hospital but died shortly afterwards.
A school teacher supervising a rugby match rushed to help him. One witness said: “There was a teacher in a rugby kit, he was trying to save the boy. He was giving CPR. There were two girls next to him, they were crying. He was a real hero, it was a terrible scene.”
A teenager, who knew Hazrat slightly, said footage was posted on Snapchat saying a boy had been stabbed along with “laughing emoji” symbols.
Murder squad detectives are now trying to establish a motive for the attack, and if Hazrat, of Notting Hill, west London, and the killer arranged to meet at the spot, or whether it was a chance encounter.
Detective
Inspector Vicky
Chief Tunstall said: “I ask that any videos are not shared via social media to avoid causing the young man’s family any more distress at this already incredibly difficult time for them. “Instead, please go to the police immediately.”
She added: “We are still working to establish the motive behind this tragic attack and are following a number of leads.
“Officers have recovered CCTV from the area and spoken to a number of witnesses who described seeing a fight in the moments before Hazrat was attacked.
“We know a lot of people were on the field at the time and I’d urge anyone who has not yet spoken to police to contact us immediately.”
The attack happened yards from Richmond upon Thames College, where Hazrat was a student.
The college’s principal, Dr Jason Jones, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family and friends at this difficult time.” So far in 2021 there have been 25 teenage homicides in the capital, compared to previous peaks in 2017 when 27 died and 2008 when 29 were killed. Anyone who witnessed the Twickenham killing is asked to call police on 101 quoting 5697/ 12OCT.