‘He was always giving back to those in need’ says stabbing victim Sarmad Al-Saidi’s best friend

Sarmad Al-Saidi who died after being attacked in Deepdale on 23 December Pic: Justgiving

More than £6,000 has been raised to go towards building water wells in different countries in memory of a teenage boy who died after a stabbing in Deepdale.

Sarmad Al-Saidi, 16 died on Sunday night (27 December) as a result of knife crime.

The 16-year-old died in hospital four days after being stabbed in his chest and legs.

Police were called to an address in Chatham Place at 5.43pm on Wednesday (December 23).

Sarmad Al-Saidi, 16 with his best friend Safyan Akhtar,18

One of Sarmad’s best friends, Safyan Akhtar, 18 told Blog Preston: “Sarmad was always giving back to those in need, and for his sake we are giving back to those in poorer countries.

“Once we hit the target for the wells we plan on continuing this to try and build the foundation for a mosque.”

Safyan described Sarmad as active and he loved to play football and exploring new places with a view.

He added: “Sarmad meant everything to me and still does mean everything to me; he was my best friend since primary school.

“He means the world to me and so does his family, his mother calls me her own son and due to this I will never let her down and will do anything I possibly can to support her family along with mine and Sarmad’s best friends.”

You are able to donate to the Just Giving page here.

Sarmad Al-Saidi was attacked during Wednesday 23 December Pic: Preston Police

A 16-year-old boy, a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons and an 18-year-old man named as Jamie Dixon, 18, of Clayton Avenue, Leyland appeared in front of magistrates on Monday 28 December charged with Sarmad’s murder.

They were taken to custody and are due to appear at Preston Crown Court Wednesday 30 December.

However, Lancashire police are asking the public not to reveal the identity of those charged.

Lancashire police tweeted: “We are aware of people speculating the identity of the two youths charged with Sarmad’s murder, including posting images they claim are the two boys. We would like to remind everyone that there are reporting restrictions in place preventing the ID of the two youth defendants.

“Publishing anything that reveals their identities is a criminal offence and could result in a custodial sentence, in addition to seriously affecting court proceedings. Thank you in advance for your support.”

A 20-year-old man, a 28-year-old woman and a 36-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but have since been released pending further investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 0575 of December 24, 2020, or report it via the major incident portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020120S05-PO1. Alternatively call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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