Family issues privacy appeal after Omani student killed in London

Police believe Mohammed Al Araimi could have been stabbed by muggers

The Harrods store in Knightsbridge outside which Omani student Mohammed Al Amairi died. Stephen Lock for The National

The family of Omani student Mohammed Al Araimi, who was stabbed to death in central London this month, has hit out at speculation over his death.

“The motives for this horrific attack are unknown and the varying reports printed in some of the press have caused even more distress," the family said.

"Until the circumstances and details of this heinous crime are fully substantiated, we respectfully ask for the space and silence to grieve as a family."

London's Metropolitan Police referred The National to its most recent statement on the matter on December 8.

“It does appear that the motive for this cowardly attack was robbery," it said. "There have been no arrests and inquiries continue.”

Al Araimi, 20, son of a prominent businessmen, was studying politics and economics at King’s College London.

“Last Friday, December 6, will be etched in the minds of our close-knit family forever," the family said.

"While going about our daily lives in Muscat, we had little idea of the tragic and unexpected events unfolding in London that have irreversibly changed the course of our family’s lives.

"Our hearts are eternally broken.

“We have full confidence in the Metropolitan Police and their ability to bring this investigation to a speedy and just conclusion.

"Mohamed has now returned to his maker. May God have mercy on his soul."

Police said Al Araimi and an unidentified friend, who was injured but has since been discharged from hospital, were “entirely blameless” for the attack just after midnight. They had been out for a meal.

A poem by Al Araimi’s cousin, Fatma Al Ardhi, read: “It is a huge loss for me. He never was just my cousin. I loved him as a son, treated him as a brother and always saw him as a dear friend of mine.”

Police had said the murder was part of an attempted robbery outside Harrods in London’s upmarket area of Knightsbridge. It was reported that muggers were after his watch, believed to be a Rolex.