Two teens, both 16, have been arrested and bailed on suspicion of murder
A teenager who was fatally stabbed earlier this week has been named for the first time as friends describe him as being “just a lovely lad”.
Maliki Sharma, 18, was discovered on Victoria Road, in Feltham, near the area’s high street, at around 5pm on Monday (January 12). The young man died in hospital later that day, with two 16-year-old boys being arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of an offensive weapon and bailed since.
Another man, aged 19, has been charged with affray and possession of an offensive weapon. Police confirmed further enquiries into the circumstances surrounding Maliki’s death are ongoing, reports MyLondon.
Rhys Huskinson, 19, of Feltham, is due to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (January 15), accused of assaulting another teenager during the fatal stabbing.
Residents living close to where the incident unfolded have been told to expect an increased police presence as officers investigate several lines of inquiry over the coming days.
Floral tributes, balloons and messages of anguish and heartbreak continue to mount on Victoria Road as the community mourns the loss of the 18-year-old. Notes pinned near the crime scene read: “Fly High. You’re always in our thoughts”, and “RIP. Taken from us much too young.”
A friend who studied at the same college as Maliki described him as being “just a lovely lad” when paying tribute to the student during an interview with Metro. “He was a good student, and everyone loved him. One of the teachers who taught him for three years had been crying for days. We are all devastated. He was a good person,” he added.
Knife crime campaigner Pastor Lorraine Jones-Burrell offered her condolences to the victim’s family. She began her work after her son was stabbed to death in Brixton in 2014.
“My prayers go out to the family of this young man and to everyone affected by this devastating loss,” she said, adding, “I also want to thank the police officers and emergency responders who attended the scene and worked under extremely difficult and traumatic circumstances.
“An 18-year-old life has been brutally cut short in Feltham, and my heart aches for all those left behind. I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the fatal stabbing of a young person in Feltham. Knife crime is brutal, unforgiving and life-destroying.”
A forensics tent covering a bike and discarded gloves, understood to belong to the first responding officer, had been erected in Feltham earlier this week. Images appear to show a large blood spatter surrounded by tape seen on a pedestrian crossing near The Centre shopping plaza.
Responding to the fatal stabbing in Feltham, Hounslow Council Leader Councillor Shantanu Rajawat said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the shocking stabbing in Feltham yesterday. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
“I would like to reassure communities in Feltham that the Police are doing everything they can and you will see an increase in policing numbers in the coming days as the police set up their reassurance patrols in the area.”
