Wandsworth stabbing: First picture of man stabbed to death in 'revenge attack'

The mother of a young man stabbed to death today claimed he had been trying to reform after a spell in prison and was killed in revenge over a fight with another inmate.

Abdullah Hammia, 24, died from a knife wound to the heart after being pursued to a road just off Wandsworth Common.

An Australian nanny, 24, who was near the scene when he was attacked battled to save his life as he lay dying on the ground.

A string of celebrities live in the area including model Imogen Thomas and Ready Steady Cook chef Ainsley Harriott. Both spoke of their shock at the attack, just outside Wandsworth Prep school.

Speaking at the family home in Earlsfield, Mr Hammia’s mother Linda said her son was “going straight” after serving time in Wandsworth jail for drug offences.

The family are originally from Algeria and her son was regular worshipper at the local mosque.

She said: “He was trying to improve himself. He was always looking after his younger brother who has autism.

“I am told he attacked in revenge for a fight he had in prison with another inmate.

“He was trying to turn his life around.”

Witnesses said two groups were hanging around in cars near Wandsworth Common, before two men chased their target and lunged at him with a blade at 7pm on Tuesday evening.

One was heard to scream “I’ll show you what will happen” before plunging the knife into the victim’s throat and then fleeing on foot, barging horrified bystanders out of the way.

The victim’s mother said: “He went out in a car to meet someone. A friend warned him not to go. But he just said ‘I have to meet him’. He went out and I never saw him again.

“If he had taken that advice he would still be here. We would like to thank the young woman who tried to save his life.”

She said her son, the eldest of six children, was a keen boxer and had always looked after his sister and brothers, adding “he loved his family”.

His father Liad said: “We are devastated. He was a good family boy.”

A man and women arrested in connection with the killing have been released with no further action.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 02087214054 or to remain anonymous 080055511.