20-year-old Saudi student stabbed to death while on placement in Cambridge
According to Cambridgeshire Police, Algasim had been in Cambridge for a short-term study placement and was enrolled at EF International Language Campuses Cambridge, a private school that offers English language courses to overseas students. The institution expressed its deep sorrow in confirming the death, stating they were "deeply saddened" by the loss of one of their students.
Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred in what is believed to have been an 'unprovoked attack.' A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. The accused, identified as Chas Corrigan from Holbrook Road, Cambridge, has been charged with both murder and possession of a knife in a public place. He is set to appear at Peterborough Magistrates' Court later on Monday.
In addition, a 50-year-old man from Cambridge was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Floral tributes were left at the scene of the attack. A handwritten message attached to a barrier near the flowers read, 'May your soul be at peace,' accompanied by heart shapes and the Arabic phrase 'inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un,' meaning "to God we belong and to Him we return."
EF International Language Campuses Cambridge, where Algasim had been studying, issued a statement saying, 'We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our adult students was fatally injured in a public space. Emergency services responded immediately, but the student tragically passed away.' The school added that it was working closely with local police, who had confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the incident.
The institution further reassured the public by stating, 'The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We are providing support to all students and staff affected by this tragic event and have organised counselling sessions.' They also mentioned that they would refrain from making further comments while the investigation remains ongoing.
Detective Inspector Dale Mepstead of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit urged anyone with information to come forward. 'The investigation remains ongoing, and we continue to encourage anyone with information who has not yet come forward to contact us,' he said.
The investigation is still in progress, and the authorities are continuing to gather evidence and piece together the events leading to Algasim's death.
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