£20k reward five years after teen's murder in Forest Gate
18 year old Sami Sidhom was killed as he walked home after a football match.
The father of a teenager who was murdered in Newham five years ago has appealed for anyone who knows who is responsible for the fatal attack to contact police.
Sami Sidhom, who was 18, was fatally stabbed just before 23:00hrs on 16 April 2018 as he walked along Chestnut Avenue in Newham. He was on his way home after watching West Ham United play Stoke City at the London Stadium in Stratford.
A reward of up to £20,000 is being offered by police for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Sami’s murder.
10 arrests but no charge
Detectives have pursued a number of promising lines of enquiry since 2018, resulting in 10 arrests, but so far nobody has been charged.
A number of tip offs have been provided by an anonymous person, but they have never spoken directly to officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said: "It has now been five-and-a-half years since Sami's murder and his family are still searching for answers as to who killed him.
"I believe people in the Newham community know who was responsible for the murder. I understand how daunting it can be to come forward after such a terrible crime, but, hopefully now some time has passed, someone will be brave enough to come forward and tell us what they know.
“Sami’s family have been devastated by the senseless loss of their son. They have had only questions, but no justice.
“I urge anyone who has information about Sami’s murder, but in particular the person who has reached out anonymously before to provide key information, to contact us.”
Dad: Do the right thing
Sami's father, Samer Sidhom, has also made an emotional appeal for information. He said: "My son's life was taken away for no reason whatsoever. It's so cruel, he did nothing wrong. If you're out there, and you know who these people are, I plead with you to do the right thing. Sammy didn't deserve this and we need to have justice. If these killers continue walking free, they can just do it to someone else. There is a reward of £20,000 being offered and you can provide information anonymously. Please contact anonymously, we need your help."
After watching the football match in Stratford, Sami took a bus to Romford Road and set out on the last part of his journey by foot.
He made his way along Sebert Road and turned left into Cranmer Road. He then turned left into Capel Road before crossing over into Chestnut Avenue.
At the same time, CCTV shows a silver car approaching the end of Chestnut Avenue where Sami crosses. The same CCTV show three men chasing Sami back into Chestnut Avenue followed by the same silver car.
Following the attack, the silver car and another car are seen to drive off.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is being urged to call detectives on 020 8345 3715. Your information will be dealt with by experienced officers who understand how difficult it can be to make that call.
Or information can be given, 100 per cent anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.