Man appears in court charged with murder of teenager in Portsmouth

Aimen Ahmed was stabbed on Saturday night

Aimen Ahmed, 18, was stabbed in Portsmouth's Guildhall Square
Author: Jo RawlingsPublished 4th Aug 2023
Last updated 4th Aug 2023

A 23-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a "kind, beautiful" teenager who died after being stabbed in Portsmouth city centre.

Aimen Ahmed, 18, from Horndean, who was in foster care, died following the incident in Guildhall Square, at about 11.00pm on Saturday 29 July.

Police have charged Donnell Charles, of St Peters Grove in Southsea, with murder, attempted murder, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of a bladed article.

Charles was remanded in custody after appearing at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on Friday and will next appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday.

Aimen Ahmed died in Guildhall Square

The foster family of Mr Ahmed said in a statement: "Aimen was such a kind, beautiful and innocent soul whose huge infectious smile melted your heart and made you laugh.

"He was a boy with dreams and quiet determination, who worked hard at college and wanted to achieve something with his life.

"His tragic death is unjust and incomprehensible and he will be sadly missed by all those that were privileged to have been part of his short life."

Aimen was studying English at City of Portsmouth College, where students and staff have expressed their shock and sadness.

Principal Katy Quinn said: "It’s devastating that such a young life should end in this way and our hearts go out to his family and friends.

"News of the tragedy has had a profound impact on his classmates and tutors across the college.

"As a result, additional counselling and support is available to anyone who needs it."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.