Preston stabbing: Three teenagers charged with murder of boy, 16

28 December 2020, 08:34 | Updated: 28 December 2020, 15:29

Three teenagers have been charged with murder after a 16-year-old boy died following a stabbing.

Sarmad Al-Saidi was found with stab injuries to his chest and legs when police were called to a house in Chatham Place, Preston, Lancashire, at about 5.45pm on Wednesday, December 23.

He died in hospital on Sunday, a spokesman for Lancashire Police said.

The force spokesman said Jamie Dixon, 18, of Clayton Avenue, Leyland, and two boys aged 16 and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Preston Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with his murder.

The three were remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday, police said.

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

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Wilson said: "This incident has resulted in a young man losing his life and my thoughts are very much with Sarmad's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

"Sarmad's family have been supported by specially-trained officers throughout this investigation and that will continue.

"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 know this incident has had a major impact on the community and I would like to thank the public for their extremely valuable support with this murder inquiry. "