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Stabbing: Latest man arrested out on bail


Saturday, July 17, 2010

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A MAN arrested in connection with the killing of a teenager in Easton has been released on police bail.

The man, aged 19, was the ninth person arrested since Abdirisak Mohamoud, known as Abdi, was stabbed to death in Stapleton Road on Thursday last week.

Seven people were released on police bail last weekend and the other was released without charge.

Of those arrested, two are aged 16, three are 17, one is 18, one 19 and two are 20.

The release of the last arrested man comes as a march is being planned, in memory of Abdi, to call for an end to violence and for more police patrols.

The Rev Dawnecia Palmer, one of Bristol's leading campaigners against violence, is appealing for people to take part in the march on July 31.

She said: "I spoke to the group of young men who were Abdi's friends and they were saying 'we can't deal with this right now, we're grieving'.

"They allowed me to pray with them. They are angry and I thought we need to do something, partly to give people expression to what they are feeling."

Ms Palmer, who used to talk to Abdi on her Prayer Patrols on the streets of inner city Bristol, said: "He was a gentle person. The march will be about showing respect for the loss of this beautiful young life. We can't lose any more young men."

She urged people to make banners and bring balloons and vuvuzelas.

The Rev Mark Southerland, who grew up in the area, said it would be an opportunity to raise issues and talk about what was happening in relation to increasing knife and gun crime among young people.

Among those taking part will be Merisa Corbin, 23, the girlfriend of Dean Myles, who was shot dead at the age of 19 at a Bristol nightclub in September 2006. His daughter was less than two years old at the time.

Merisa, who joined Mothers Say No to Guns and Violence after Dean's murder, said: "It was horrible, a very difficult time. Everybody was just devastated when he died."

Ms Palmer visited Stapleton Road yesterday to talk to people about what she is trying to do and to see the tributes to Abdi, which include a large number of blue bandanas knotted together.

They are worn by members of the Easton-based High Street Crew, who are said to have been at war with a rival gang, the Bloodgang from St Paul's, for months.

The Bloodgang wear red bandanas and three "gangsta rap" videos of them have been posted on video sharing website YouTube. One or two of them appear to be no older than ten.

Police have repeatedly called for calm within the community of Easton since the death of Abdi, who was of Somali origin.

A dedicated police team has been talking to the Somali community and at mosques to encourage people to remain calm and to keep them up to date with the investigation.

Officers are also working with the St Paul's Advisory Group and speaking to youth workers in the area.

The incident room can be reached by calling 0845 456 7000 and Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ms Palmer is also planning a conference and said she hoped that members of both gangs would attend to try to find a way of co-existing peacefully. Today the Easton for Everyone community day was being held at Easton Community Centre, 2pm to 8pm.

Source: This is Bristol