Family of Murdered Acton Teenager Appeal For Help

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Tube victim was talented local footballer

A 15-year-old Acton boy murdered at Victoria station in the rush hour may have been killed in a pre-arranged fight, police have said.

Police have named the victim as Sofyen Belamouadden and tests showed he died from stab wounds.

The boy's family have spoken of their pain and have branded his attackers as "cowards with no respect for life or the people they leave behind".

It's emerged that Sofyen was a talented footballer who played for a number of teams.

His uncle has told the Mail on Sunday newspaper that the teenager played for Acton Garden Village Youth Sunday League team and for Chelsea Kicks, a scheme run by the Premier League club.

Sofyen's aunt Nadia Ghailan has urged anyone with information about the murder to send her a message on Facebook.

Ms Ghailan wrote:

"RIP Sof we love and miss you, we have lost a son, a brother, a nephew a grandson, cousin and friend. if anyone has any information about this senseless brutal murder please come forward in full confidence to the family. private message me (his auntie) please do not let his death be in vain."

Thousands of people have joined the group RIP Sofyen on the social networking site so far.

The detective leading the investigation said he believes the attack may have been part of a pre-arranged fight.

Detective Chief Inspector John McFarlane, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: "I believe this was a pre-planned fight; a number of individuals travelled by various bus routes to Victoria carrying weapons, however I retain an open mind re motive at this stage."

Police have arrested 19 boys aged between 15 and 17 in connection with the murder and are also examining a number of weapons.

 

 

 

March 28, 2010