Family of murdered Maida Hill teenager forgive his killers
The family of a teenager stabbed to death said they forgive his killers.
Ahmed Yasin-Ali, 18, was heard begging “No, no, don’t do this” as he was ambushed and knifed by a gang in Maida Hill, in the early hours of Wednesday.
The victim’s family paid tribute to him as detectives investigating the his murder continued to appeal for witnesses.
In a statement issued through the Metropolitan police, Ahmed’s family said:“We as Muslims forgive those who so painfully took away our precious and beautiful son. Forever in our hearts, our neighbourhood hero.“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.”
Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall said the scene of the murder was near Harrow Road, a busy road through West London.
She is keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard a disturbance on Elmfield Way, or a vehicle driving at speed in the Harrow Road around 12.30am.
Neighbours raised the alarm after they were woken by screams. They tried to save the teenager but he was pronounced dead in hospital about 30 minutes later.
The killing was in a car park between a housing block and NHS buildings in Elmfield Way, Maida Hill.
DCI Tunstall said: “I would particularly like to hear from anyone who was driving in Harrow Road between 11:45pm and 12.30am on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, if you have dashcam footage, regardless of whether you witnessed anything unusual.
“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.
“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”.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting Cad reference 185/15Jul. Alternatively, to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.