Tributes paid to teenage boy murdered in Luton
He's been named locally as 16-year-old Ashraf Habimana
A 16-year-old boy murdered in Luton has been named locally as Ashraf Habimana.
He was fatally stabbed on Nunnery Lane on Friday night.
On a fundraising page set up for Ashraf's family - his mum has called him loving, caring, calm and extraordinary - who dreamed of becoming a Cyber security analyst.
The fundraiser for his funeral's almost reached ÂŁ5000.
Five people have been arrested in connection with what happened.
Police are also investigating another stabbing on Friday which they believe is connected.
Police, schools, council and community and faith groups in Luton have come together to express their deep shock and sadness at the tragic events over the weekend.
Leader of Luton council, Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, said:
"This devastating news has sent a shockwave right across our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young man and all those affected by this senseless tragedy.
“Knife crime is a national concern and by no means isolated to our town, but we know that a lack of access to opportunities, jobs and services can have many negative impacts. It is not a problem any one organisation can tackle alone – we must all come together and find solutions for Luton.
“The safety and wellbeing of our young people is an absolute priority for Luton. It is simply not acceptable for people to carry knives with the intent of killing and injuring others.”
Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said:
“Incidents like these bring concern to the whole community, and there remains a profound sense of sadness that a life so young has been lost in these circumstances on the streets of Bedfordshire.
“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and loved ones at such a tragic time. I cannot imagine the hurt and loss they are feeling and we do have specialist police officers in regular contact with them to offer support.
“The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit is carrying out a thorough investigation, and there will be an increased policing presence in the area whilst enquiries are ongoing.