Preston stabbing: Parents pay heartbreaking tribute to Preston murder victim Sarmad Al-Said

Sarmad Al-Saidi, 16, died in hospital on Sunday, December 27, four days after he was found with stab wounds to his chest and legs at an address in Chatham Place on Wednesday (December 23).

In a heartbreaking tribute, the 16-year-old's parents said they are "absolutely devastated" by the sudden loss of their son, who they described as a "very happy boy who always wore a smile on his face wherever he went."

In a statement released this afternoon (December 29), Sarmad's family said: "Sarmad was very family-oriented and was very close to his two brothers, who miss him dearly.

"Our son will be remembered for being a smart, helpful, forgiving and compassionate boy who would help anybody who needed it. He was a very happy boy who always wore a smile on his face wherever he went. That is how we will remember him.

"As a family, we have been moved by the large amount of warm messages we have received about our much-loved son and we are grateful for each and every one of them.

"At this difficult time our family would like to appeal for calm, love, peace and prayers in the name of Sarmad.

"We would also ask that our privacy is respected at this time."

Jamie Dixon, 18, of Clayton Avenue, Leyland, appeared before Preston magistrates on Monday, charged with murder.

A 16-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy also appeared on murder charges but cannot be named for legal reasons. All were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday (December 30).

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

DCI Lee Wilson, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: "My thoughts remain with Sarmad’s family and friends who are still coming to terms with his untimely death.

"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 realise that this incident will have caused a great deal of concern in the community and I would like to reiterate Sarmad’s parents’ appeal for calm."

Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 101, quoting log number 0575 of December 24.

You can also report any information via the major incident portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020120S05-PO1.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

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