Preston stabbing: Three charged over death of 16-year-old boy in Lancashire

Police appeal for anyone with information about the events to get in touch

Undated handout photo issued by Lancashire Police, showing Sarmad Al-Saidi, 16, who died in hospital on Sunday December 27 after being stabbed at a house in Preston on Wednesday 23 December. (Lancashire Police/PA Wire)

Three teenagers have been charged with murder after the death of a 16-year-old boy following a stabbing in Preston, Lancashire.

Sarmad Al-Saidi was found with stab injuries to his chest and legs when police were called to a house in Chatham Place in the Deepdale area in northeast Preston, at 5.43pm on Wednesday 23 December.

Mr Al-Saidi was initially treated at the scene before being transferred to hospital. He died there on Sunday evening.

Lancashire police said that three male teenagers, Jamie Dixon, 18, of Clayton Avenue, Leyland, and two boys aged 16 and 17 who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court on Monday and are all charged with murder.

The three were remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday, police said.

A 20-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, both from Preston, and a 36-year-old woman from Leyland, Lancashire, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but have since been released under investigation.

“This incident has resulted in a young man losing his life and my thoughts are very much with Sarmad’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” said Lancashire Police Detective Chief Inspector Lee Wilson.

“Sarmad’s family have been supported by specially-trained officers throughout this investigation and that will continue.

“While we have now charged a man and two teenagers with Sarmad’s murder, our investigation is very much ongoing and I would ask anybody with information that could assist us to come forward.

“I know this incident has had a major impact on the community and I would like to thank the public for their extremely valuable support with this murder inquiry.”

Several people paid tributes to Sarmad on social media.

“This is such a tragic loss of a young life which could have been avoided. Rest in peace Sarmad,” tweeted Preston City Council leader Matthew Brown.

Deepdale Community Association tweeted: “The whole community [is] deeply saddened to hear this news.”

Another tribute on Facebook said: “Gone but never forgotten, angel.”

Police appeal for anyone with information to call 101 quoting log 0575 of 24 December 2020, contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or report it via the major incident portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020120S05-PO1.