All-around shock over Omani student’s death

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In a horrific incident, an Omani student was stabbed to death in London on Friday, leaving the community shocked and once again raising the question “Are the streets of London safe?”

The Omani Embassy in London confirmed the death of 26-year-old Omani student Muhammad Bin Abdullah Bin Ali Al-Araimi on Friday evening.

Al Araimi was stabbed to death by a few masked men at the Knightsbridge area, near the famous Harrods Store, in the British capital.

The masked men attacked the young man while he was walking back home from a restaurant.

A British police forensics officer passes a knife to a colleague near the Houses of Parliament in central London. File/ AFP

The attackers pointed knives at him, demanding for his watch, which was believed to be a Rolex watch.

Araimi refused to the demand of the muggers and a scuffle broke out. The masked men left a knife wound on Araimi, which made him bleed profusely.

Araimi friend, who tried to save him, was also attacked but fortunately survived.

Netizens took to Twitter and paid their tribute to the young Omani man.

Postdoctoral fellow of MIT, Mariam Al Eissa said, “It is really unfortunate what happens in london today, my deep condolences to the family of Omani student, who killed in #Knightsbridge..”

A boy holds a toy gun as police officers stand on duty inside a cordon in East Ham in east London. File/ AFP

Another user said, “The situation in London and across the UK is now untenable and significant resources need to be assigned to the police and criminal justice system. Harrods murder victim was Omani student, 26”

@apinkunicorn_x said, “You killed someone for a watch?! A watch????”

Another user said, “Fire the mayor!!!! Murdered for his Rolex watch: Omani student, 24, is stabbed to death by masked muggers outside Harrods as three young men die during 24 hours of bloodshed on the streets of London.”

The Omani Embassy in London expressed their grief on the unfortunate event.

The embassy’s Twitter page said, “With great sadness and sorrow, the embassy in London extends its condolences to the family of the deceased.”

The embassy was in touch with Araimi’s family and is helping them reach London.

An armed Police officer stands on duty at the north side of London Bridge. File/ AFP

Al Araimi was believed to have lived in the United Kingdom for the past three years.

An investigation has been launched into the case. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge said the pair was on their way home from a restaurant when they were approached by two male suspects.

“We believe that the victims were approached in order to steal property from them and were attacked during that encounter,” he added.

A total of 134 people have been killed in London this year.

Along with Araimi, two other murders also took place. The Metropolitan Police said the three murders were not linked.