Canning Town stabbing: ‘Funny and charming’ young man Ahmed Jah stabbed to death while buying a can of fruit juice from shop

Crime scene: the aftermath of the stabbing in Canning Town
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The family of a young man stabbed to death buying a soft drink from his local shop today demanded answers over his “senseless” killing.

Ahmed Jah, 21, the eldest of four siblings, died minutes after being knifed inside the off-licence on a shopping precinct less than 50 yards from his family home in Canning Town, east London.

His family today paid tribute to a “funny and charming” young man, as they told of their shock and devastation at his sudden death.

Ahmed had told his parents he was going to the shop, BJ Wines in Freemasons Road, to buy a can of fruit juice at 3.30pm yesterday, on one of the hottest afternoons of the year.

Once inside, he was set upon by a gang of men and reportedly stabbed in the chest.

Police at the scene after the attack 

Paramedics fought to save his life but he was pronounced dead ten minutes later.

Murder detectives retrieved the victim’s mobile and are tracking Ahmed’s phone records to find out the last person he contacted with.

His heartbroken family gathered at the police cordon where he was killed as they tried to come to terms with the tragedy.

Deen Conteh, an uncle, told the Standard: “His father asked him where he was going before he left and he just said just going to the shops to get a juice. He was stabbed inside the shop – there’s no reason for him to be killed.

Crime scene: The off licence where a 21-year-old man was stabbed to death in Freemasons Road, Canning Town
Barney Davis

“It’s only a minute away. His dad heard the sirens and saw the helicopter overhead and knew something was wrong. But he didn’t know it was his son until the detectives turned up at his door.

“His little brother can’t believe what has happened. He keeps on trying to ring Ahmed’s phone praying he will pick up. He was a very energetic guy who cared deeply for his family.

“His mother was at work and is devastated. The horrible way he died is not fair for such a young man. We are desperate to know the reason why he is gone.”

A cousin, who didn’t want to be named, added: “Ahmed was so funny, playful and charming, he was always joking around.

“He was a tall, handsome guy, no-one would have any reason to hurt him. We never worried about him. His little brother and sisters absolutely idolised him.”

Three men, believed to be in their 20s have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They are currently in custody at an east London police station.

A Met spokesman said a post mortem examination will be held in due course.

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) are investigating

Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact the HMCC on their incident room number 020 8345 1570. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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