Preston murder: teen accused of stabbing 28-year-old Hiwa Saleh Ali Khani appears before judge

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in custody until January when he will face trial for the murder of 28-year-old Hiwa Saleh Ali Khani.

Appearing on a video link from Wetherby Young Offenders Institution to Preston Crown Court, the teenager spoke only to confirm his name and to tell Judge Simon Medland QC that he understood he would be kept in custody until his trial. Judge Medland fixed a date of January 11 and set aside three weeks for the hearing.

Who has been arrested in connection with Hiwa Saleh Ali Khani’s death?

The judge was told four more young people were under investigation for the murder of Mr Khani. It had not yet been revealed if any of those would be charged.

Judge Medland said the case had attracted a lot of interest and imposed a strict ban on reporting any details which would lead to the identification of the 16-year-old due to his age. But he told the boy: “That order is subject to review and will be reconsidered by the court subsequently.”

What happened on Raikes Road, Ribbleton?

Police were called to Raikes Road, Ribbleton at around 6.25pm on Friday where paramedics were treating Mr Khani for chest injuries. He was rushed to the Royal Preston Hospital but died shortly afterwards.

A total of seven people, all teenagers, were arrested over the next 48 hours. Two 18-year-olds were later released without charge.Three others, a 16-year-old boy and two girls aged 15 and 16, were bailed under investigation. And a 17-year-old is still understood to be in custody.

A post mortem examination found Mr Khani, of Ribbleton Lane, Preston, had died from stab wounds.

What do the police say?

Det Chief Insp Mark Haworth-Oates, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “This is the second fatal stabbing in Preston in the last month and I understand that people in the local community may be concerned.

“These two offences are not linked but the outcome is that two families in Preston have now been left devastated by the impact of knife crime. I would urge anyone thinking about carrying a knife to seriously consider the consequences – you could end up jailed, injured or killed.”

It follows the stabbing of Lee Dawson in Jutland Street at around 3am on Friday (June 17). He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital with “serious chest injuries” but later died.

Detectives have since charged four people over his murder. In a tribute, his family described him as “a big friendly giant” with “a strong heart and stronger head”. “Lee loved his children deeply and would do anything for them,” they added. Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting log number 0149 of June 17. In addition, anyone with information can call the independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.