‘Gentle’ teen, 16, who fled war-torn Syria for UK stabbed to death in busy high street as man, 20, charged with murder
HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a “kind and gentle” 16-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in a busy high street.
Ahmad Mamdouh Al Ibrahim died in hospital after being attacked in Kirklees, West Yorks.
Cops and emergency services scrambled to Ramsden Street just before 3pm last Thursday and rushed the teen to hospital with a “serious injury to his neck”.
Medics bravely battled to save Ahmad but the 16-year-old was tragically pronounced dead a short while later.
Ahmad’s family have since released a tribute after his heartbreaking loss.
The statement read: “Our beloved Ahmad was taken from us on April 3, 2025, he was only 16.
“Ahmad fled war-torn Homs, Syria, after being injured in a bombing. He chose to come to the UK because he believed in the values of human rights, safety, and dignity.
“He was full of hope and dreamed of becoming a doctor—wanting to heal others after all he had endured.
“He had just begun settling into his new life with his uncle, adjusting to a new language, a new home, and a future he was excited to build.
“Ahmad was kind, gentle, and carried so much promise. Losing him has left an unimaginable emptiness in our hearts. We never thought that the place he saw as a safe haven would be where his life would end.
“Our only wish now is to lay him to rest in his homeland, Syria. Thank you for helping us honour his memory.”
A temporary shrine to the teenager has also been set up on the pavement near the scene.
Pictures showed flowers and messages being left by family, friends and passers-by in honour of Ahmad.
Alfie Franco, 20, from Kirkburton, appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Saturday charged with the teenager’s murder and possessing a knife in a public place.
He then appeared at Leeds Crown Court earlier today and was charged with Ahmad’s murder.
Franco was remanded in custody with a trial date set for October 2 2025.
Locals have since recounted the horror after the sickening stabbing in broad daylight.
Stephen Gregson, 70, said he came across the incident soon after it happened.
Laying flowers at the scene, he told the BBC: “That night I never slept. All I could visualise was that young man laid on the floor.
“It was like something from a horror film. It was awful.
“I’ll never forget this. I’m still upset, even though I didn’t know the lad.
“I’ve got a 17-year-old granddaughter and to think that this has happened in broad daylight is quite worrying.”
Officers from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are continuing to work with the victim’s family and are continuing to investigate the fatal stabbing.