Stabbed Schoolboy Had Fled War-Torn Somalia For A New Life

A student who was fatally stabbed outside a sixth-form college fled “war-torn” Somalia when he was a toddler, his family has said.

Mohammed Sidali was attacked outside Joseph Chamberlain College, in Highgate, Birmingham, last Wednesday.

In a statement, relatives said Mohammed, known as Sidali, was an ambitious young man “fuelled” by his family’s flight from Africa.

Flowers have been laid outside the college since his death on Friday.

Family members said Sidali, who was born in Somalia, “had many ambitions and goals” and wanted to be an accountant.

They went on to say he was an “honourable young man who strived to do his best” for his family, “who came from poverty as they fled from a war-torn country when he was just a toddler”.

“He was a son, a brother, a cousin, a nephew and an amazing friend.”

Several floral tributes have been left outside the college, on Belgrave Road.

One read: “My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. You will be deeply missed”, while others said “Rest in peace angel” and “You will always be remembered”.

College principal Tony Day said: “The whole college community is devastated and shocked by the tragic loss of our student, Sidali.

“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.”

West Midlands Police said a post-mortem examination took place on Monday, but have yet to release its findings.

A 16-year-old boy has appeared at Birmingham Crown Court charged with attempted murder.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is expected to be charged with murder at his next court appearance, due on 18 March.