Sofyen Murder: Two More Arrested

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Total number of those charged now reaches 21

Detectives investigating the murder of Acton schoolboy Sofyen Belamouadden at Victoria Underground Station on the 25 March, arrested two youths, both aged 17, in connection with this inquiry on Tuesday 1 June.

They were taken to a South London police station and have subsequently been bailed to return on a date in late June pending further inquiries.

This now brings the total number of arrests to 21.

Sofyen, who was 15 and a pupil at Henry Compton School in Kingwood Road, was fatally stabbed in Victoria Station's ticket hall on March 25.

13 students from south London have already appeared in court charged with Sofyen's murder.

Victoria Osoteku, 18, and 10 youths aged between 16 and 17, who cannot be named, were remanded in custody to appear in court again at a later date.

A number of others have been arrested and later bailed by police, including nine boys who were arrested on April 27.

Police, who recovered two knives from the scene, believe Sofyen's death took place during a pre-planned fight between groups of teens.

As well as attending school in Fulham, Sofyen played football for Chelsea Kickz, a scheme run by the Premier League club for young people in deprived areas, and for Acton Garden Village Youth Sunday League team.

After his death, a Chelsea FC spokesman paid tribute to him, saying Sofyen was a talented footballer and adding that he was a "valued participant" in the scheme.

His schoolmates at Henry Compton School, Sofyen's fellow pupils created an impromptu memorial in playground and decorated it with flowers and tributes. The school also created two writing walls where students could leave their own personal messages.

The school, who said that Sofyen was missed and would always be remembered also opened a Book of Remembrance which in due course will be presented to his family.

Det Supt Ashley Croft of the HSCC said that Sofyen had tragically lost his life through a "reckless act of violence".

May 21, 2010