Tributes have been paid to a 16-year-old student who was stabbed to death outside his sixth form college.
Sidali Mohammed died two days after having a blade plunged into his chest in broad daylight by a masked knifeman last Wednesday (13/2).
Police arrested a suspect at the scene outside Joseph Chamberlain College, in Highgate, Birmingham.
A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged in connection with the death and is set to appear before Birmingham Crown Court on March 18.
Today (Tue) Sidali’s family paid tribute to the youngster and called for youngsters to realise the consequences of knife crime in an emotional appeal.
In a statement issued by West Midlands Police, they described the Somalian national as an “honourable young man who strived to do his best.”
They said: “He was a son, a brother, a cousin, a nephew and an amazing friend. He had many ambitions and goals which he desired to achieve.
“Sidali was a driven young man who was currently studying his A-levels and aspired to become an accountant.
“Sidali shared his goals continuously with his father, who supported him endlessly, as they were best of friends.
“This aspiration was fuelled by his family who came from poverty, as they fled from a war torn country when he was just a toddler.
“His determination, thirst and enthusiasm has allowed him to be a role model for many of his peers, family and community.
“He has built a strong foundation for his family to grow upon.
“He was loved by many and we are saddened to have lost an angelic soul in such a tragic way.
“I hope this is a lesson for young people who don’t understand the consequences of knife crime.
“Sidali will always remain in our hearts as his legacy will live on. Thank you for all the love and support that we have received at this time.”
College principal Tony Day said: “The whole college community is devastated and shocked by the tragic loss of our student, Sidali.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends.
“Sidali was a wonderful young man, who was extremely popular with his peers and teachers.
“He was doing well on his science course at college and had a really bright future ahead of him.
“We will be doing everything we can to support his family and all of those affected by this very sad incident.”
A 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on bail.
Officers are still keen to speak to any witnesses to the disturbance.
Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
By Arun Lal