Somali Teenager Stabbed in Birmingham, Worries Somali Families in UK

A family who fled from insecurities in Somalia for a better life in the UK, only for their 16-year-old son to be stabbed outside a Birmingham sixth form college have warned youngsters of the grave consequences of knife crime. 

Sayid Ali Mohammed, 16, was stabbed outside Joseph Chamberlain College in Balsall Heath, Birmingham last Wednesday.

After the attack he remained in a coma and died in hospital two days later when his life support was switched off with his family around him.

A 16-year-old boy has been remanded in custody.

Today, Sayid Ali’s heartbroken family today paid tribute to their  ‘amazing and angelic’ son calling on youngsters to wake up the consequences of knife crime.

Sayid Ali, who fled Somalia with his family as a toddler, was described as an ‘honourable young man who strived to do his best.’

A statement released by police said: ‘He was a son, a brother, a cousin, a nephew and an amazing friend. He had many ambitions and goals which he desired to achieve.

Sayid Ali was a driven young man who was currently studying his A-levels and aspired to become an accountant.

‘ Sayid Ali shared his goals continuously with his father, who supported him endlessly, as they were best of friends.

‘This aspiration was fuelled by his family who came from poverty, as they fled from a war torn country when he was just a toddler.

‘His determination, thirst and enthusiasm has allowed him to be a role model for many of his peers, family and community.

‘He has built a strong foundation for his family to grow upon.

‘He was loved by many and we are saddened to have lost an angelic soul in such a tragic way.

‘I hope this is a lesson for young people who don’t understand the consequences of knife crime.

‘ Sayid Ali will always remain in our hearts as his legacy will live on. Thank you for all the love and support that we have received at this time.’ 

Sayid Ali’s family have set up a fundraising page to finance a well in his honor raising £3,953 of the £5,400 goal in three days. 

A boy aged 16, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with attempted murder. He has been remanded in custody ahead of a hearing on March 18. 

A 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on bail.

Officers are still keen to speak to any witnesses to the disturbance.

College principal Tony Day said: ‘The whole college community is devastated and shocked by the tragic loss of our student, Sayid Ali.

‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends.

‘ Sayid Ali was a wonderful young man, who was extremely popular with his peers and teachers.

‘He was doing well on his science course at college and had a really bright future ahead of him.

‘We will be doing everything we can to support his family and all of those affected by this very sad incident.’ 

Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College was closed for the rest of the week following the attack on Wednesday.