THE FAMILY OF Sami Sidhom, who died after being stabbed in Forest Gate on 16th April, have issued a statement which fondly remembers their son – and calls for an end to the knife crime that is ending young lives.
The family said, “How many more have to die this way before everyone cares? How many more communities like ours have to be terrorised by mindless stabbings?
“Sami was a model son, model student, a dedicated West Ham fan who was studying to be a lawyer to bring fair play and justice to those who needed it.
“He never had a chance to do any of that because he was stabbed in the back by cowards in the dark. He was only 18.
“We’ve somehow ended up in a society where our brightest hopes are taken before they’ve even started.
“It is shameful that a single knife is allowed on the street. There isn’t a single fathomable reason why this is still tolerated, unchecked and unstopped. Those who are responsible for enforcing the banning of knives in our streets are also responsible for his death.
“Someone once said evil triumphs when good people do nothing.
“Nothing will bring Sami back, but we want his killers brought to justice. We would like to appeal to everyone, if you have any information no matter how small it is please do tell the police.
“We would like to thank everyone who came to Sami’s aid and comforted him in his final hour. We are deeply grateful for the incredible kindness and bravery that our neighbours, regardless of their creed, or colour, have shown to Sami.
“Your humanity has given us considerable comfort at an unbearable time. We are thankful for all the heart warming messages, flowers and tributes that we got from the community, his friends, neighbours, university colleagues, his online friends in the gaming community and his beloved West Ham club who have supported him back.
“Finally, we just cannot let a silent knife kill more young people outside their homes. It wasn’t just Sami that got stabbed near his home. It was justice itself that got stabbed in the back.
“It’s up to all of us to ensure that justice and life should be given and never taken.”
•Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact the incident room on 020-8345 3715. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111, where you can give information anonymously.
•Read more about this story: Forest Gate murder: one arrest made
•Read more crime stories: Imitation gun – but real jail sentence Hackney man admits possessing a knife – again
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