The family of a student who was stabbed to death in Cambridge last Friday have expressed that they feel the UK is no longer a safe place.
20-year-old Mohammed Algasim was living in Cambridge for a 10-week placement at EF International Language Campus, a language school that teaches English to international students in the British university city. On Friday 1st August at about 23:30, Mohammed received stab wounds to his neck and died at the scene despite the efforts of passing doctors to save his life. Cambridgeshire Police believes that this was an “unprovoked attack”.
Chas Corrigan, a local man, 21, has appeared in court charged with murder and will face trial next year.
The attack was at Mill Park, located near to Cambridge’s main railway station, in an area that had been redeveloped in recent years and accommodates large modern apartment blocks, home to international students and professionals.
Abdulmalik Algasim, his cousin, added that the family’s view of England’s public safety has naturally changed, stating that “unfortunately the view has shifted to Britain not being a safe country”.
This point was echoed by his uncle, Mr Albalkhail, who told The National he believed the UK is no longer safe for visiting tourists. Mr Albalkhail said “We hope this incident will prompt serious reflection on public safety and the protection of innocent lives”.
The security firm Dardan that operates on this CB1 estate has doubled its overnight security team to 4 since the fatal stabbing. A statement by CB1 Community Group looked to reassure its residents that security in the CB1 area by Darden and by Hyline had increased during evenings and overnight.
Mohammed Alqassem was from Saudi Arabia, and his immediate family from Makkah told The National that Alqassem himself generously helped and mentored Saudi Arabian students moving to England: “For Saudis who were coming to Cambridge, he started to help them out with the paperwork process regarding the college and make sure some of them are safe. He used to be a kind of mentor and look after people’s safety. Mohammed was a friend to everyone.”
Alqassem’s uncle Mr Albalkhail told The National that “He had dreams of studying medicine and came to the UK with a heart full of hope and a passion for learning. Unfortunately, his journey ended in tragedy. His family and community are devastated by this horrific loss.”
EF International Language Campuses Cambridge issued a statement: “The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority. We are providing support to all students and staff affected by this tragic event and have organised counselling sessions.”
Featured Image of Mohammed Alqassem via Cambridge Constabulary
