Man, 18, arrested in connection with murder of Preston teenager Sarmad Al-Saidi

The 18-year-old man was arrested suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder yesterday (Thursday, February 11).

They have now been released under investigation.

Sarmad Al-Saidi, 16, from Preston, was found with stab wounds to his chest and legs at an address in Chatham Place, Deepdale, at 5.43pm on Wednesday, December 23.

He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries four days later on Sunday, December 27.

Three men, Jamie Dixon, 18, of Clayton Avenue, Leyland, and a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be identified for legal reasons, have since been charged with Sarmad’s murder.

A 20-year-old man, a 28-year-old woman, both from Preston, and a 36-year-old woman from Leyland who were all previously arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released under investigation.

DCI Lee Wilson, of the Force Major Investigation Team said: "This incident has resulted in a young man losing his life and my thoughts are very much with Sarmad's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Sarmad's family have been supported by specially-trained officers throughout this investigation and that will continue.

"While we have now charged a man and two teenagers with Sarmad's murder, our investigation is very much ongoing and I would ask anybody with information that could assist us to come forward.

"I know this incident has had a major impact on the community and I would like to thank the public for their extremely valuable support with this murder inquiry".

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information has been urged to call police on 101, quoting log number 0575 of December 24, 2020.

Alternatively, you can report it via the major incident portal HERE, or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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