A teenager stabbed to death outside a London halls of residence was a former child refugee who spent time in the Calais “Jungle” camp, friends said today.
Khalid Safi, 18, was attacked near the entrance to the University of Arts London’s block in Acton last week. He was rushed to hospital and died shortly afterwards.
Friends said Khalid had settled in the UK around five years ago after spending several weeks in the “Jungle” refugee camp.
It housed thousands of migrants and refugees until it was demolished in October.
According to his friend, Khalid had lived in London, Peterborough and Birmingham with foster parents and had recently returned to the capital to work in his uncle’s corner shop in Croydon, south London.
Akii Ahmadzai, 20, knew Khalid for five years and said he was ‘heartbroken’ at his death.
He told the Standard: “He moved to the UK from Afghanistan because it was a war zone and everyone wanted to leave.”
He added: “He came here for a better and more peaceful life but he was still murdered. It shows that you’re not safe anywhere.”
According to Khalid’s social media accounts he left City of Westminster College two years ago.
It is believed Khalid had been staying with relatives in south London while working for his family business until he could get a flat of his own.
Mr Ahmadzai said: “He was like a brother to me, it’s a really emotional time. Khalid was a lovely guy who never had anything bad in his heart.
“On the day he died we spoke on the phone two hours before. He was really happy that day and I was planning on coming to London to see him. My heart is just broken.”
Another friend, who asked not to be named, said he met Khalid in the Jungle camp before they entered the UK.
He said: “To me he was a great friend.
“And it’s a big loss to us and the family. We came to this country together.
“He was a good friend and his hobbies were volleyball and cricket.
“He was studying in Wembley when we [last] spoke.”
The friend said the pair lost touch in recent years, he added: “He was busy with his life and I was busy with mine. After school and college everything change.”
The killing took place at around 6.30pm on December 1.
Murder squad detectives have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Price said: “There were a lot of people in the area of Victoria Road at the time of the incident and, while we have spoken to several people, I believe that not everyone has come forward at this time.”
A leading Calais refugee charity today called on better protection for young refugees after turning 18.
Clare Moseley, founder of Care4Calais, said: “Safeguarding refugee children as they move to adulthood in the UK is critical for a smooth transition into UK society.
“All refugees are, by definition, vulnerable and worthy of protection, none more so than the young.”
A 19-year-old woman was arrested in Redbridge on Wednesday December 7 on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. She has been bailed to return on a date in early January 2017 pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police incident room on 020 8721 4054. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
