Tributes flood in after Ashraf Habimana, 16, dies and four injured in Luton stabbing attack – as four arrested
TRIBUTES have flooded in after a boy died and four others were injured in a stabbing attack as four are arrested.
The 16-year-old boy, who was named locally as Ashraf Habimana, suffered multiple stab wounds in Nunnery Lane in Luton at around 7pm on Friday.
Ashraf was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Today an area close to the Old Moat House Pub was cordoned off by the police while forensic officers worked at the scene.
More than 20 bunches of flowers were left.
One card read: “Rest in eternal peace Ashraf. Safe in the knowledge you are loved.”
Another note read: “Gone but never forgotten.”
A group of youths in hoodies gathered by the flowers.
One, who said he was aged over 18, refused to confirm the dead boy’s name.
He said: “We are upset we have lost our friend.”
Bedfordshire police said while the boy has not yet been formally identified, his family are being supported.
A second teenager was injured in the attack and is being treated at hospital for potentially life-threatening injuries.
A third victim also received serious injuries, though these are not being treated as life threatening.
Three teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are being questioned.
Three hours earlier at 4pm, officers were called to reports that two people were stabbed in Sundon Park Road, less than a mile away.
One teenager received life-threatening injuries, and a second received serious, but not life-threatening injuries. Both are being treated in hospital.
One man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is in police custody for questioning.
An alleyway between Sundon Park Road and Moira Close was cordoned off by the police.
Forensic officers in white suits were carrying out an examination of the scene and were taking photographs.
The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit have launched a murder investigation, and say they are currently treating both incidents as connected.
The 18-year-old at the Nunnery Lane murder scene, said: “The police are saying there is a link (between the two stabbings) They can say what they like but that is not right.”
Detective Inspector Lee Martin, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Appalling violence in Luton cost a teenage boy his life yesterday, and left two others in life-threatening conditions.
“Incidents such as these have a significant impact on our residents. Our thoughts are first and foremost with the loved ones of the boy who lost his life in such tragic and awful circumstances.
“We are doing everything we can to prevent any further incidents and we want to reassure the wider community that officers are pursuing all lines of enquiry as well as carrying out increased patrols in the area.
“Knife crime and violence has no place in our society – but it is a problem we must tackle together, alongside our communities, to challenge attitudes about carrying knives and provide opportunities to ensure our young people can feel safe.
“Both incidents happened in busy areas with several people present. If you witnessed any of these incidents, or if you have any video footage or images, then please get in touch.”
Two weeks ago, on September 16th, a man was stabbed to death at the rear of Sundon Park Health Centre in town.
It is 200 metres from Friday’s stabbing scene in Sunday park.
Two boys, aged 16 and 17, appeared in the crown court at Luton this week accused of the murder of 38-year-old Omar Khan from Luton.
They are also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a woman who was with him.