British police release description of Omani student’s suspected killers

Two men in their twenties and thirties suspected of killing King's College student

Omani student Mohammed Al Araimi was killed in a knife attack last December as he returned from a restaurant in London. Met Police

London’s Metropolitan police have issued a new appeal to track down the suspects behind the murder of an Omani student near London’s Harrods this month.

Mohammed Al Araimi, 20, was stabbed to death in Knightsbridge in West London on December 6.

The Omani national, the son of a prominent businessman, lived in London and was studying politics and economics at King's College.

Al Araimi's friend, 20, was taken to hospital for treatment. He has since been discharged.

After the attack, the UAE issued a warning to Emiratis living in or travelling to the UK to be vigilant, especially at night.

No arrests have been made but police said they were looking for two suspects and released information about their appearance on Monday.

One was identified as an Asian man, aged in his late 20s to early 30s. The man is said to be 178 centimetres tall, of medium build, with black hair and a full beard.

He was wearing a dark hat, blue top, dark trousers and black shoes on the night of the attack.

The other suspect was described by police as a black man, aged in his 20s and between 178 and 182cm tall. He is said to be of medium build, with black hair and a thin beard.

He was wearing a green jacket with a hood, blue jeans and black shoes on the night of the murder.

“I am appealing directly to anyone who has information on the identity of these two suspects," said Det Chief Insp Andy Partridge, of Special Crime, who is leading the murder investigation.

“We know that Mohammed and his friend were returning home from a restaurant when they were approached and assaulted by two men on Basil Street at the junction of Pavilion Road.

"Following the attack, the suspects fled on foot along Basil Street in the direction of Sloane Street.

“We believe the motive was robbery. The victim and his friend were followed and targeted by the two suspects, although nothing was taken during the attack.

“I know there will be individuals out there who possess valuable information and I implore you to do the right thing.

"An innocent man has needlessly lost his life. Mohammed’s family have been left utterly shocked and devastated at his untimely death."

Mr Partridge said that those responsible for the attack “must and will be brought to justice”.

Mohammed's brother, Raid Al Araimi, joined police in appealing for information.

“As a family we are all grieving at the loss of Mohammed," Mr Al Araimi said. "He only went out for a meal with a friend and never came home.

“If anyone knows who is responsible, or believes they know who was involved in this attack, please do the right thing and tell the police.

"We would not want another family to suffer like we are suffering. Please come forward.”