Tragic Stabbing Claims Life of De Montfort University Student in Leicester
A young university student has been fatally stabbed in a shocking incident on a busy street outside a campus building in Leicester. Khaleed Oladipo, a 20-year-old second-year student at De Montfort University, was attacked just after 5pm on Tuesday evening, sparking a major police investigation.
Victim Remembered as Talented Footballer and Beloved Family Member
Khaleed Oladipo, who hailed from South London, had begun his studies at De Montfort University in September 2024. He was pursuing a degree in cyber security and was described by his grieving family as an extremely loved son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and friend.
In an emotional tribute, his family stated: 'We cannot begin to put into words how sad we are to have lost Khaleed. He was a good boy who loved his family. We were so proud of him.'
The family revealed that one of his main passions was football, having played since the age of four. He was an Arsenal supporter and they believe he was on his way home to watch a match when the tragic attack occurred.
Horrific Scene Unfolds Near University Campus
The incident took place on the corner of Oxford Street and Bonners Lane, close to De Montfort University's Innovation Centre and just feet away from the Journalism and Media department building. Witnesses reported hearing a scream before discovering a man lying on the pavement.
Tye Crofton, 19, who works in the university's Innovation Centre, described the scene: 'I heard a scream. As I exited, there was a young black man lying on the floor surrounded by about 12 to 17 bystanders, some of whom had covered him in their coats.'
Campus security arrived with a defibrillator before emergency services reached the location. The victim was found with knife wounds and was rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary, where he died a short time later.
Major Police Investigation Underway
Leicestershire Police have launched a murder investigation and have arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder, who remains in police custody. According to initial police inquiries, the victim was involved in an altercation with another man in the street before the attacker left the scene.
Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, Senior Investigating Officer, confirmed: 'We are currently piecing together exactly what has occurred between two men involved in a confrontation. One of the men is believed to have been stabbed and has then collapsed in the street.'
A post-mortem examination has determined that Mr Oladipo died as a result of a stab wound to the chest.
Emergency Response and Community Impact
The East Midlands Ambulance Service deployed multiple resources to the scene, including:
- A paramedic in an ambulance car
- Three crewed ambulances
- An air ambulance responder
The family expressed gratitude to the members of the public who tried to help, along with ambulance service and hospital staff who attempted to save Khaleed's life. They also thanked police for their investigation efforts.
Police have established a large cordon in the area, causing significant disruption with road closures. Officers are conducting extensive enquiries, including:
- Reviewing CCTV footage from the area
- Speaking to eyewitnesses
- Appealing for dash cam or mobile phone footage
Detective Inspector Granville added: 'The incident happened at 5pm so we know the area was busy with motorists. If you saw anything or captured footage, we would like to hear from you.'
University Community in Shock
The violent death has sent shockwaves through the university community. Student Rosie Davison, 21, commented: 'My friend saw someone getting CPR. We just know that somebody got stabbed.'
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews stated: 'My thoughts are with all those affected by this horrific, and shocking, incident. A young man's life has been unnecessarily cut short, and that is a tragedy.'
Local officers will be conducting reassurance patrols in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues. The family concluded their tribute by saying: 'We know getting justice for Khaleed will not bring him back but we will make sure that he gets the justice he deserves.'
