Mother of race-killing victim tells of her loss and anguish

The mother of a black teenager stabbed to death in a suspected racist attack said his death had broken her heart.

Christopher Alaneme's mother spoke publicly for the first time since her 18-year-old son was murdered in Sheerness, Kent, on 21 April. She described her son as a "respectful, polite and promising young man" and warned that unless the public helped the police, another young man could die in similar circumstances.

Witnesses have said that Christopher, whose parents come from Nigeria, was racially abused in the seaside town before being stabbed in the street during a night out. Detectives are continuing to question a 29-year-old man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Christopher's mother, Agatha, who lives in south London, issued a statement yesterday, saying: "It has now been 17 days since my only son Chris was taken from me. It has been a huge and devastating loss to our family, and everyone that knew him. This has ripped my heart apart and that of the whole family.

"I would like to ask those people who saw what happened, or saw or heard anything which may help to come forward. Please do not hesitate, otherwise history could repeat itself. Chris is gone; it could be someone else tomorrow. I would like to put a stop to that, we don't wish that on any other family."

Christopher moved to Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey about two years ago, partly to escape the street violence of London, according to his 16-year-old girlfriend. But his friends said the popular teenager was often racially abused and stood out in a town where there are few non-white people.

Christopher was attacked in Sheerness High Street just before midnight on Friday, reportedly by a group of young men. One witness said Christopher had been trying to protect his friend, a 14-year-old white boy.

Shortly before the attack on Christopher, a 29-year-old man was stabbed. The man, who was said to have been a bystander, was released from hospital on Sunday. Police investigating the attacks can be contacted on 01622 654 860.