Hero is killed trying to help knifed woman, 84
A GOOD Samaritan was killed as he went to the aid of an 84-year-old woman being stabbed in the street.
“Caring, humble” Ali Abucar Ali, 20, has been hailed a “true hero” by locals stunned by the violent attacks.
Mother-of-seven Betty Walsh is in a serious condition in hospital after undergoing an emergency kidney operation yesterday.
She was punched to the ground and stabbed as she popped out for a kebab in Albany Parade, Brentford, west London around 8pm on Friday.
Mr Ali came to Mrs Walsh’s aid, only to be attacked and killed.
Mrs Walsh’s eldest daughter Bridget, 60, said her “lively and fit” mum didn’t realise she had been attacked until Ali stepped in to help.
She added: “Ali went up and asked what all the commotion was about, challenged her attacker and tried to help her. What happened to him next was a tragedy.
“I knew him and his mother. They are a very good family. His mother had rushed to comfort me as soon as she heard what happened to Mum, before the police phoned her and told her the devastating news that her son had so sadly been stabbed.
“Ali was a really hardworking, good lad who had recently won a scholarship to play basketball.”
Yesterday, a gofundme page was set up by Ali’s family and within a few hours £12,000 had been raised as tributes poured in, including one that described him as “a true Brentford hero”.
The page reads: “The most caring, humble, funniest young man. Don’t have a single memory of him without seeing his amazing smile.”
Bridget, who was told the news about her mother as she got back from work, added that Mrs Walsh was keen to know the result of the England versus Albania World Cup qualifier which was taking place at the time of the attack.
Bridget said: “After her operation she was able to talk on the phone and was asking about the score. I’m just glad she is alive.”
Gerhard Peleschka, the manager of The Griffin pub, close to where the attack took place, said Mrs Walsh, originally from Ireland, is a “Brentford legend”.
He said: “Betty used to work here on match days during the busiest times.
“She was the best barmaid you’d ever meet. She’s a Brentford legend.”
A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted
murder.