Khaleed Oladipo, 20, from London, was a cyber security student at De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester – he died after being stabbed near the campus – a teen has been arrested for murder
A student who was tragically stabbed to death on a university campus has been identified, following the arrest of a teenager. Police were alerted just after 5pm on Tuesday to reports of a man collapsing on Oxford Street, Leicester, near the junction with Bonners Lane and close to De Montfort University (DMU).
The victim, named as 20-year-old Khaleed Oladipo from London, was confirmed by DMU as one of their students. He was rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary but sadly passed away shortly afterwards, according to Leicestershire Police.
A significant cordon was established in the city centre near the DMU campus, with several roads closed for investigations.
An 18 year old male, arrested on suspicion of murder, is currently in police custody. It’s believed that the victim was involved in a street altercation with another man, who fled the scene before police arrived.
Leicestershire Police revealed today that Mr Oladipo died from stab wounds to the chest. The statement read: “Mr Oladipo was living in Leicester – studying cyber security at De Montfort University. The investigation into Mr Oladipo’s death continues, with extensive enquiries being carried out.”
“A post-mortem examination has been carried out and found that Mr Oladipo died as a result of a stab wound to the chest. An 18-year-old arrested on suspicion of his murder remains in police custody.”
In a heartfelt tribute, the family of Mr Oladipo expressed their profound grief: “We cannot begin to put into words how sad we are to have lost Khaleed. He was an extremely loved son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and friend. Khaleed was a good boy who loved his family. He was in his second year at university, and we were so proud of him.
“One of his main passions was football and he had played since the age of four. He was an Arsenal supporter and we believe he was on his way home to watch the game later that night when he was stabbed and killed. We want to thank the members of the public who stopped to try and help Khaleed and the ambulance service and hospital staff who did all they could to try and save him.
“We are also really grateful to the police for their efforts in the investigation so far to ensure the person responsible is brought to justice. We are struggling to understand why anyone would do this. We know getting justice for Khaleed will not bring him back but we will make sure that he gets the justice he deserves.”
University vice-chancellor Professor Katie Normington shared her condolences: “We are devastated to confirm the tragic death of one of our students. Our thoughts are with everyone who is affected by what has happened. We are offering direct support to students, staff and the family of the victim.”
Leicester University stated: “We are working with Leicestershire Police as they investigate this major incident. Thank-you for the messages of support we have been receiving from the community of Leicester: it is a city that knows how to stand together in moments like this.”
As tributes pour in, flowers and messages continue to be left at the scene of the heartbreaking incident, with one card reading: “To Khaleed and family. I am so saddened that your life has been taken too soon … My thoughts are with your family and friends.”
Leicestershire police and crime commissioner Rupert Matthews echoed the sentiments of those who have spoken about the tragedy, saying: “My thoughts are with all those affected by this horrific, and shocking, incident. A young man’s life has been unnecessarily cut short, and that is a tragedy. I know that the police are working tirelessly to bring the person, or persons, responsible to justice.
“I have been kept fully briefed by the chief constable, and I am aware that an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody. In addition, local officers will be in the area over the coming days carrying out reassurance patrols. I urge anyone with information that may help the inquiry to come forward, and of course, they can speak to local officers about any concerns they may have.”