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Oxford Street stabbing: Family pays tribute to 'loving son' | Oxford Street stabbing: Family pays tribute to 'loving son' |
(40 minutes later) | |
The family of a teenager who was stabbed to death in London's Oxford Street during the Boxing Day sales have paid tribute to him. | The family of a teenager who was stabbed to death in London's Oxford Street during the Boxing Day sales have paid tribute to him. |
Seydou Diarrassouba, 18, was stabbed after a fight began in the Foot Locker sports shop near Bond Street Tube station on Monday. | Seydou Diarrassouba, 18, was stabbed after a fight began in the Foot Locker sports shop near Bond Street Tube station on Monday. |
His family praised the "loving son and brother" who was "snatched away". | His family praised the "loving son and brother" who was "snatched away". |
The tribute came as police raided the homes of 20 suspected gang members to "quell" related tensions. | The tribute came as police raided the homes of 20 suspected gang members to "quell" related tensions. |
Police targeted suspected gang members in Merton, Wandsworth and Southwark. | Police targeted suspected gang members in Merton, Wandsworth and Southwark. |
'Respectful and charismatic' | |
Officers made 17 arrests, for offences including grievous bodily harm, robbery, intent to supply drugs, burglary, forgery and handling stolen goods. A large amount of cash was seized. | |
Commander Mak Chishty said: "We were aware of rising tensions in the wake of the murder. | Commander Mak Chishty said: "We were aware of rising tensions in the wake of the murder. |
"Having monitored the situation closely, including various comments on social networking sites, we felt it vital we take robust and prompt action in order to pre-empt any potential future violence." | "Having monitored the situation closely, including various comments on social networking sites, we felt it vital we take robust and prompt action in order to pre-empt any potential future violence." |
Mr Diarrassouba's family said in a statement: "A simple shopping trip has turned into a complete nightmare for our whole family. | |
"Whoever took his life took our backbone away. Seydou kept us upright and now we feel weak as we have lost a very special part of us." | |
It continued: "Life seems meaningless without our special son, brother. | |
"All we can say is why? He had so much consideration for others. | |
"We want Seydou to be remembered as the loving, down to earth, respectful and charismatic young man he was." | |
A number of weapons were found at the scene of the attack. |
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