Northampton University student killed in stabbing near campus named by police

Police have named a 19-year-old student who was stabbed to death near a university campus, saying he had been "on the route to succeed in his studies".

Kwabena (or Alfred) Osei-Poku, a University of Northampton student from Peterborough, was killed on Sunday evening.

Police said the incident started on campus.

Nine people have now been arrested in connection with Mr Osei-Poku's death.

The University of Northampton's vice-chancellor, Anne-Marie Kilday, paid tribute to the 19-year-old, who had been studying advertising and digital marketing.

She said: "We are heartbroken at the senseless death of Kwabena Osei-Poku – known affectionately as Alfred.

"I have heard from Alfred’s advertising and digital marketing foundation tutors, who tell me he was working on a project investigating the growth of technological tools used in marketing, and was on the route to succeed in his studies.

"His fellow students and all staff at the University of Northampton are devastated by this news, and once again extend our deepest sympathies to his friends, family and all those who knew him.

"We will now focus on support for the university community as we try to deal with this tragic loss of life."

Mr Osei-Poku was found injured by emergency services in New Southbridge Road at about 8.40pm, and died at the scene.

Of the nine people arrested, four of them - two men aged 19 and two women aged 18 - have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The remaining five - three men aged 19, one man aged 18 and one woman aged 19 - are being questioned by detectives.

Det Insp Simon Barnes said: “Our thoughts are with Kwabena’s family and friends at this awful time.

"I am really grateful for their support so far and I want to reiterate to them, and to the local community, that our focus remains solely on bringing those responsible for this crime to justice.

“Detectives from across the region continue to work on this investigation and multiple lines of inquiry are being followed.

"However I would continue to appeal for anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward and speak to us."

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