Ahmed Jah: First picture of young man stabbed to death while buying soft drink

Victim: Ahmed Jah, 21, was stabbed to death buying fruit juice
Given by family with permission
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This is the first picture of a young man stabbed to death while buying a soft drink from his local shop.

Ahmed Jah, 21, eldest of four siblings, died yesterday minutes after being knifed inside the off-licence on a shopping precinct less than 50 yards from his family home in Canning Town.

His family today paid tribute to a “beautiful, kind boy”. Ahmed, who planned to start a construction apprenticeship from September, told his parents he was going to BJ Wines in Freemasons Road to buy a can of fruit juice at 3.30pm. There he was set upon by a gang of men and stabbed in the chest.

His father Abubakarr Jah, a rail construction worker, today said: “Young people need to put down their knives and stop the violence. It is destroying families and communities.”

The scene of the stabbing in east London
Twitter/@Holly_chestie

He added: “He was a beautiful, kind boy. He wanted to do something with his life. Now we have lost him. He didn’t deserve for this to happen.”

Deen Conteh, an uncle, added: “His father asked him where he was going before he left and he just said just going to the shops to get a juice. He was stabbed inside the shop – there’s no reason for him to be killed.

"It’s only a minute away. His dad heard the sirens and saw the helicopter overhead and knew something was wrong. But he didn’t know it was his son until the detectives turned up at his door.

“His little brother can’t believe what has happened. He keeps on trying to ring Ahmed’s phone praying he will pick up. He was a very energetic guy who cared deeply for his family.

"“His mother was at work and is devastated. The horrible way he died is not fair for such a young man. We are desperate to know the reason why he is gone.”

Three men said to be in their twenties have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Call 020 8345 1570 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with any information.

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