Family says stabbed student was 'pure of heart'

Mohammed Algasim was on a 10-week study placement in Cambridge learning English

A family has paid tribute to a student from Saudi Arabia whose death has led to a murder inquiry.

Twenty-year-old Mohammed Algasim, who was on a 10-week placement to study English, was found with fatal injuries in Mill Park, a street near Cambridge railway station, on Friday evening.

He was described by his family as "a young man brimming with enthusiasm... chivalry and courage".

Chas Corrigan, 21, of Holbrook Road, Cambridge, was remanded in custody when he appeared at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on Monday accused of murder and the possession of a knife in a public place.

Mr Corrigan is expected to appear before Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.

Flowers have been placed in the road in Cambridge where the student was found

The tribute issued by Mr Algasim's family said he was "the most compassionate person to ever visit a mother's heart and the closest to his sisters' embrace".

It added: "He was a dutiful son, a loving brother, and the leader of the family in spirit, not in appearance.

"Over time, he became the family's charisma, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy in every gathering.

"He was his father's support, his familiar companion, and the assistant to his uncles and maternal uncles."

Cambridgeshire Police were called to Mill Park in Cambridge on Friday at about 23:27 BST

Mill Park is lined with apartments and flowers have been placed in front of one of them.

Messages include "may your soul be at peace".

In a statement, EF International Language Campus, a Cambridge-based language school that teaches English to overseas students, said it was "deeply saddened" by the death of one of its students.

"We are providing support to all students and staff affected by this tragic event and have organised counselling sessions," it added.

Cambridgeshire Police has said it believes Mr Algasim was stabbed.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Tuesday.

A 50-year-old man, also from Cambridge, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and remains in custody.