Ahmed Jama

WHILE the New Year’s Eve killing of Harry Pitman, 16, on Primrose Hill drew the attention of national media, another fatal knife attack seemingly went under-reported.

The victim, Ahmed Jama, was found in a small walkway in Gaymead block on the Abbey estate, St John’s Wood – close to a children’s playground – early on Friday evening December 29.

Tenants told the Extra how they had been baffled by the death as they had not heard any commotion before he was found on a small walkway right outside on their doorsteps.

They thought that the 29-year-old had returned to the estate where he once lived.

One man, who lived in a neighbouring block on the estate, said: “I’ve seen his picture now since the police named him and I reckon some people who have been here a while would remember his face.

“He certainly used to live around this way but I hadn’t seen him here on the estate for a while. Most people were shutting down after Christmas.

“I came back from work and there was all this police tape up. It’s so awful really. That’s somebody’s son. Somebody’s brother. Knife crime has become normalised.”

Police tape on the estate [Simon Lamrock]

Another woman said she had been surprised to find police outside her door as she had been watching Friday night TV when the attack happened.

Police officers who were called to the Abbey estate, just off Abbey Road, at 7.30pm attempted first aid before an ambulance took Mr Jama to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.

He was pronounced dead just before 10pm.

No arrests had been made as the Extra went to press.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson, leading the investigation, said: “We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area of Abbey estate on Friday night between 7pm and 8pm, who may have seen or heard something they believe could be connected to this fatal stabbing.

“Another family have been left grieving the loss of a loved one due to knife crime. My team of detectives are working around the clock to identify and arrest the person responsible.”

If you can help police with information or material, call 101, or post on ‘X’ @MetCC quoting CAD 5726/29Dec. To remain anonymous contact Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111.

After the two fatal stabbings six Labour councillors representing Kilburn and Primrose Hill issued a joint statement. They said: “As local councillors for Kilburn and Primrose Hill wards, we have been appalled by the two fatal stabbings between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. All of our thoughts are with the two young people killed, their families and their loved ones.”

Met appeal

Police investigating the fatal stabbing of Harry Pitman (pictured), who was from Tottenham, urge anybody with information to call the investigation team direct on 020 8785 8099, on 101, or tweet on ‘X’ @MetCC. Or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.