The inquest into the untimely death of 17-year-old Sutton student Ilyas Habibi began today, shedding light on the heartbreaking incident that took place on December 5, 2023. The young student’s life was tragically cut short in a stabbing incident on Sutton High Street.
Emergency Response on December 5, 2023
On the evening of December 5, 2023, at approximately 7.09om the Sutton Police and London Ambulance Service responded to a distressing call reporting a teenager who had been stabbed. The incident unfolded on Sutton High Street, sending shockwaves through the community.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Ilyas Habibi, a 17-year-old student from Sutton, suffering from severe knife injuries. Swiftly, they administered vital first aid while awaiting the arrival of medical professionals. Despite their valiant efforts, the young student’s life could not be saved, and he was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene at 7.54pm
Cause of Death and Investigation
The post-mortem examination conducted on Ilyas revealed the harrowing cause of death to be a stab wound to the neck, underscoring the shocking brutality of the incident.
According to police reports, Ilyas had arrived at Sutton High Street by train. Moments after disembarking from the station, he became embroiled in a violent altercation with a single suspect who subsequently fled the scene.
Following extensive investigative efforts, law enforcement successfully identified the suspect involved in this horrific incident. On December 11, officers determined that the suspect had left the country from London Gatwick Airport on December 9, a development that was relayed to Ilyas’s grieving family. Specially trained officers are providing ongoing support to the family as they grapple with this profound loss.
Ongoing Pursuit of Justice
The pursuit of justice for Ilyas Habibi remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies. Authorities are collaborating with international partners in their determined efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect responsible for this heinous crime.
A 19-year-old man, initially taken into custody on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been subsequently released on bail as the investigation unfolds.
Members of the public are encouraged to come forward with any information they may possess regarding this incident. They can directly contact the incident room at 0208 721 4622, reach out to the police via 101, or submit information anonymously through the MetCC quoting reference 6107/5DEC. Additionally, information can be shared through the following online portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS23V93-PO1.
For those who wish to maintain complete anonymity, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached at 0800 555 111 or through their website crimestoppers-uk.org.
As the inquest proceeds, the hope for answers and justice for Ilyas Habibi and his grieving family remains unwavering.
