‘Humble and sweet’ boy, 15, is named as the latest victim of Britain knife crime epidemic

‘Humble and sweet’ boy, 15, is named as latest victim of Britain’s knife crime epidemic after he was ‘stabbed in a skate park play fight’ as police arrest three teenagers 

  • 15-year-old was stabbed to death in Salt Hill Park in Slough yesterday at 6.30pm 
  • Detectives have today arrested three teenagers, two aged 15 and one aged 17
  • Despite attempts by ambulance crews, boy was pronounced dead at the scene 

The victim, named locally as Elton Gashaj (pictured), died at a skate park in Slough, Berkshire

A boy of 15 has become the latest victim of Britain’s knife crime epidemic after being stabbed when a row with friends reportedly turned violent.

The victim – named locally as Elton Gashaj – was wounded at a skate park and died at the scene on Saturday evening.

Witnesses said a group of boys were ‘messing about’ when a ‘play fight’ turned nasty. 

One was said to have pulled out a knife because he felt like he was being taunted by the others, it was claimed.

Three boys, two aged 15 and one aged 17, were arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday after police appealed for information and mobile phone footage of the incident in Slough, Berkshire. 

Emergency services had been called to the scene in Salt Hill Park at around 6.30pm. 

Detectives said the victim died from a single stab wound. Last night his family was being supported by specialist officers while police patrols were stepped up at the park.

Residents living nearby said it had become a ‘no-go zone’ recently and was used by drug dealers. There have been other violent incidents there, including the fatal stabbing of a 24-year-old man in 2017 and a rape in 2016.

Emergency services had been called to the scene in Salt Hill Park at around 6.30pm. Pictured are paramedics trying to save the boy

Emergency services had been called to the scene in Salt Hill Park at around 6.30pm. Pictured are paramedics trying to save the boy

Three boys, two aged 15 and one aged 17, were arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday. Pictured is a forensic officer at the scene

Three boys, two aged 15 and one aged 17, were arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday. Pictured is a forensic officer at the scene

Nena Miftari, 39, said Elton was friends with her 15-year-old son Shpat and they both attended Slough and Eton School.

Elton’s family are Albanian and he had lived in the UK since he was young, said Mrs Miftari. ‘I didn’t sleep a minute last night,’ she added yesterday.

‘He was very polite. Because we speak the same language, he was always referring to me as auntie.

‘I feel heartbroken. I saw him on Friday, he was on a bicycle, laughing with kids and now this.

‘He was a really nice boy, a really handsome young man. I know his mum, she is a very good woman.’ 

Elton’s family are Albanian and he had lived in the UK since he was young, said Mrs Miftari. ‘I didn’t sleep a minute last night,’ she added yesterday. Pictured is a police cordon in the area

Elton’s family are Albanian and he had lived in the UK since he was young, said Mrs Miftari. ‘I didn’t sleep a minute last night,’ she added yesterday. Pictured is a police cordon in the area 

Residents living nearby said it had become a ‘no-go zone’ recently and was used by drug dealers. Pictured is the park where the boy was murdered

Residents living nearby said it had become a ‘no-go zone’ recently and was used by drug dealers. Pictured is the park where the boy was murdered

George Greener-Simon said: ‘I am in this park nearly every day with my children. I always see and smell drug use. I never see police.

‘It’s sad that it takes something like this to announce there will be police patrolling.’

Zee Choudhary wrote on Facebook: ‘This boy was my nephew’s friend, known to be a humble and sweet young man. My heart breaks that a young life has been lost over some silly argument.

‘Youngsters need to realise that knives do not solve problems. Please use words, not weapons.’

Julie Siddiqi said: ‘Like so many locally today, I’m crying. They were friends, it was a play fight that turned nasty when one felt he was taunted by others.’

Forensic investigations continued at the park yesterday and the scene remained cordoned off.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Shearwood said the inquiry was ‘fast moving’. He added it was not a ‘random attack’ and those involved knew each other.

In Leicester, a murder investigation began yesterday after a man who was stabbed in the street on Saturday died in hospital.

By May, there had already been 100 fatal stabbings this year in England and Wales, according to BBC research. 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk