Syrian refugee, 16, stabbed to death in Huddersfield after escaping war-torn Syria
A 16-year-old boy who died after being stabbed in the neck has been named a Syrian refugee starting a new life in the UK after being injured in a bombing.
Ahmad Mamdouh Al Ibrahim was attacked in Ramsden Streeton, Huddersfield, on the afternoon of April 3.
His family said: ‘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.
Police at the scene of the stabbing in Huddersfield (Picture: YorkshireLive/MEN)
‘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.’
Alfie Franco, 20, of Kirkburton, will appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today charged with murder and possessing a knife.
A man and woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on police bail.
Debra Balmforth, shop manager at Barnados, said she arrived at work at 3pm to find the front of the store cordoned off.
She told the BBC: ‘We had no idea what had happened at first. Customers then started coming in saying there was blood on the precinct and someone had been stabbed.
‘It was a sunny day yesterday, there were lots of people in town given the food market was on too.
‘It’s shocking that something like that can happen in a main shopping precinct in the middle of the day. It’s just so sad.’
A stall holder said it was his first time visiting the town for a continental market.
He added: ‘It’s heartbreaking that a young lad has lost his life. Sixteen is no age at all. Knife crime is terrifying.’
West Yorkshire Police warned against speculation and misinformation about the attack on social media.
A spokesperson for the force said: ‘We are aware of misinformation circulating on social media, specifically X, regarding the circumstances of the incident and the ethnicities of those involved.
‘We are limited in what we can say legally, but what we can also advise is the incident is not gang related or linked to any wider dispute between groups.
‘We ask people not to speculate and to visit our website for all updates relating to the investigation.’
Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Damian Roebuck said: ‘This is a tragic incident where a young man has lost his life as a result of a knife injury.
‘We have a team of dedicated detectives who are at the scene and investigating this fatal attack.
‘Our initial investigations do indicate that it was an isolated incident, and local neighbourhood officers are carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.
‘I want to thank witnesses who have come forward so far and would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that can help our enquiry to please come forward.’
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