In a tragic event that has shaken the Sutton community, 17-year-old Ilyas Habibi was fatally stabbed a week ago today, on December 5. The incident occurred in Sutton High Street at approximately 7.10 pm, leaving the local community in mourning.
Ilyas, a college student, was on his way home when he was brutally attacked. Emergency services, including officers from the London Ambulance Service and an air ambulance, responded swiftly to the scene. Despite their best efforts to provide first aid, Ilyas was pronounced dead before 7.55 pm.
The sudden and violent nature of the attack has deeply affected Ilyas’s family. His older brother, Mr. Habibi, remembered Ilyas as a “hardworking” young man who was “kind, caring, and generous.” He recalled Ilyas’s passion for football, especially his love for Arsenal, and how it brought life to their home.
Just a week before his untimely death, Ilyas proudly brought home a certificate from his Construction course at Croydon College. His family was filled with pride and happiness, looking forward to a bright future that was cruelly snatched away.
The incident unfolded quickly after Ilyas arrived at Sutton High Street by train. He was involved in an altercation with the suspect who then fled the scene. The police are still investigating whether the suspect was also injured during the incident.
The shock and trauma of the news were profound for Mr. Habibi, who described receiving the phone call about his brother’s stabbing as “every brother’s worst nightmare.” The grief and disbelief have left the family shattered, with Mr. Habibi recounting the traumatic moment he found out about his brother’s demise.
In the days following Ilyas’s death, the family is struggling to cope with the loss. Ilyas’s mother is particularly affected, fainting multiple times a day and spending her time in Ilyas’s room, grieving.
A week after the tragic event, the family is in shock due to the lack of arrests. Mr. Habibi expressed his frustration and disbelief that the attack, which occurred in a public area with ample surveillance, has yet to see any justice.
The community has come together to pay tribute to Ilyas, with flowers and candles laid on a bridge near High Street. The tributes include candles spelling out Ilyas’s name, a testament to the impact of his loss on the community.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan, leading the investigation, and Chief Superintendent Andy Brittan have urged anyone with information to come forward. They reassure the community of their commitment to finding and apprehending those responsible for this heinous crime.
The Met Police have set up an incident room and an online web portal for the public to share information and material related to the case. Anyone with information can also call the incident room directly, contact police, or remain anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers.
This tragedy has left a profound impact on the Sutton community, highlighting the urgent need for action against knife crime and the importance of community support in times of grief and loss.
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