A reward of up to £20,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Sami Sidhom’s murder (credit: Met Police)
Sami Sidhom, who was 18-years-old, was fatally stabbed while walking home in Chesthunt Avenue in Newham just before 11.00pm on Monday, 16 April.
After watching West Ham United play Stoke City at the London Stadium in Stratford, he took a bus to Romford Road before completing the last part of his journey home on foot.
CCTV images show a silver car approaching the end of Chestnut Avenue, where Sami crosses from Capel Road.
The same CCTV then shows three men chasing Sami back into Chestnut Avenue, followed by the same vehicle.
The silver car and another car are later seen driving off after the attack.
Police are offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Sami’s murder.
Ten people, between 15 and 35, have been arrested so far as part of the investigation.
Of those, eight have been released under investigation and no other action has been taken against the other two.
Detectives have said they are particularly appealing to one person who has previously provided several anonymous tip-offs in relation to the case.
That person has not yet spoken directly to officers, and it is believed they could have important information.
Detective Inspector John Marriott from the Met’s Serious Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “I understand how daunting it can be to come forward after such a terrible crime but investigations like this rely on the bravery of witnesses who find it in themselves to do so.
“My officers are here to provide whatever support we can to anyone who is willing to tell us what they know.
“Sami’s family have been devastated by the senseless loss of their son. For three years they have had only questions, but no justice.
“I urge anyone who has information about Sami’s murder, but in particular the person who has reached out anonymously before to provide key information, to contact us.”
Sami’s father, Samer Sidhom, has also made an emotional appeal for information. He said: “My only son, Sami, was stabbed to death near his home as he returned from watching a football game of his favourite team, West Ham. He was only 18.
“Sami was a wonderful son. He was a kind young man who always tried to help his family, friends and colleagues, and was respected by everyone who knew him. He did everything right. He fought hard to win his place in society and some cowards in the dark stabbed him in the back.
“My son’s killers are still walking the streets free of conviction or charge. I need you to provide the evidence to convict them. You know who you are and you have a choice. A choice to be someone that hides in the dark, or a brave person who sets the record straight. If you know the killers you already know they killed a perfectly innocent person for no reason whatsoever.
“He has done nothing to anyone; he was never involved in anything and had nothing to do with his killers. The only person that would stop them from doing the same to you is you.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is being urged to call detectives on 020 8345 3715.
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Tags: Newham, Forest Gate, West Ham United, Metropolitan Police
