The Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University, UK, Katie Normington, has mourned the death of a Nigerian-born student of the institution, Kaleed Oladipo.
Police confirmed that Oladipo was stabbed in the chest during an altercation with a fellow, adding the suspect had been arrested.
In a statement, Normington said the victim was a student at the institution.
She wrote: “Our thoughts are with everyone who is affected by what has happened. We are offering direct support to students, staff and the family of the victim.
“We are working with Leicestershire Police as they investigate this major incident. Thank you for the messages of support we have been receiving from the community of Leicester: it is a city that knows how to stand together in moments like this.”
Reports said police have launched a murder investigation and continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward as enquiries continue.
Also in a statement released through police, Oladipo’s family paid tribute to what they described as an “extremely loved” son.
“We cannot begin to put into words how sad we are to have lost Khaleed. He was an extremely loved son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and friend. Khaleed was a good boy who loved his family. He was in his second year at university, and we were so proud of him.
“One of his main passions was football and he had played since the age of four. He was an Arsenal supporter and we believe he was on his way home to watch the game later that night when he was stabbed and k!lled.
“We want to thank the members of the public who stopped to try and help Khaleed and the ambulance service and hospital staff who did all they could to try and save him.
“We are also really grateful to the police for their efforts in the investigation so far to ensure the person responsible is brought to justice. We are struggling to understand why anyone would do this. We know getting justice for Khaleed will not bring him back but we will make sure that he gets the justice he deserves.”
Oladipo, who was originally from London, was living in Leicester while studying. Police said he was involved in an altercation before being stabbed, and that the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.
Leicestershire Police confirmed that an 18-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. A post-mortem examination found that Oladipo died as a result of a stab wound to the chest.
