The mother of a teenager who was knifed to death in a row over a second-hand bicycle said today that children were “dying like dogs” in the capital.
A-level student Alim Uddin, 17, died after he went to collect a bike he paid £90 for from the Roupell Park estate in Brixton on Sunday.
His family said they believed the hard-working teenager, who hoped to become a policeman, was “lured” to an eighth-floor flat where he was beaten and stabbed repeatedly.
He was taken to hospital after being found slumped outside a flat on the top floor of Tilford House in Holmewood Gardens, but could not be saved.
Today his mother Parool called for action after he became the third teenager to die violently in London this year: “Our children are being killed and nothing is being done. It happens in broad daylight, every day they are being attacked. They are dying like dogs. It’s making our lives a living hell.”
Mrs Uddin, 40, said violence had been an issue since they moved to Brixton eight years ago: “Our children are being attacked, beaten and killed. My son was lured to this place and killed.” The family said Alim saved money from a leafleting job to buy the bike, but apparently fell out with a teenager selling it when he reportedly asked for another £50.
Alim’s father Hakim, a restaurant owner originally from Bangladesh, said his son had been robbed in the past: “He had his phone stolen [and] was beaten. Police are doing everything they can for the investigation into his death, but before, when he was hurt, they just sent a [victim support] letter.”
His uncle Absal, said: “Alim was ambitious and wanted to be a police officer. He was well-mannered, always helping others. He looked after his three younger brothers and sister. They are broken-hearted.” Sister Nadia, 15, said: “We want justice for Alim.” Alim excelled at business and maths at Chestnut Grove School, Balham.
Anyone with information can call police on 020 8721 4054, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
A boy aged 16 was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday and is being held at a south London police station.
