Man found guilty of murder after stabbing a teenager to death at Crossharbour station – London

A 22-year-old man has been found guilty of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent after a teenager was stabbed to death in broad daylight at Crossharbour DLR station last summer.

Muhammad Samir Uddin, 19, described by his family as a “bubbly and loving” young man, died at Crossharbour on Friday 10 July 2020 as a result of multiple stab wounds.

Mohammed Hoque, 22, and of Manchester Road, London, has today (20 September) been found guilty of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent following a 10-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.

He’ll be sentenced on Friday 8 October.

Hoque and a friend encountered Samir and four of his friends while on their way into Crossharbour DLR station just before 6pm on the summer’s evening.

CCTV footage played in court showed Hoque walking up the station stairs towards platform two when he turned to his right and began communicating with the other group.

Samir and two of his friends then moved to the bottom of the stairwell and a short conversation ensued between the two groups.

The court heard how the conversation escalated into a physical altercation before CCTV footage showed Hoque pull a black kitchen knife out of his fur hood.

A short while later Hoque ran down the stairs after Samir and a second victim and recklessly swung his knife at them, stabbing them both in the process.

Samir collapsed on the stairs, was picked up by his friend and both began running away. They only made it a short distance out of the station before Samir collapsed again as Hoque fled the scene.

Despite the best efforts of nearby members of the public and paramedics, Samir sadly died of his injuries at the scene after being stabbed multiple times.

His friend was conveyed to a local hospital where he underwent surgery for a single stab wound on his back.

Hoque admitted in court that he had never spoken to Samir prior to the day of the incident.

Two days after the incident, on 12 July, he handed himself in at a local police station.

Senior Investigating Officer in the case, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Langley, said: “This was a shocking act of violence which resulted in the loss of a young man with his whole life ahead of him.

“While we’re pleased to see that justice has been served to the man responsible, Samir Uddin’s untimely and tragic death has left an unfillable hole in the lives of his parents, four younger siblings and friends.

“I would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and I hope they can take some small comfort that justice has been served today.”

 

The family of Muhammad Samir Uddin have today issued this tribute:

His father, Soif Uddin, said: “Muhammad Samir Uddin, known to his family and friends as Sam, was our first child and eldest brother to four younger siblings.

“He was aged only 19 when he died – he had his whole life to look forward to and it was cruelly taken away from him.

“Samir was loved by everyone, he was the joker in the family and made everyone laugh.

“He was a funny, bubbly, goofy, responsible, loving and understanding individual.  

“He used to make his brothers and sisters laugh and knew instinctively how to comfort them when they needed it.

“Samir’s hobby was fitness training. He trained regularly at a local gym and also loved canoeing which he practised in Shadwell Basin.  

“Bearing the pain and anguish of losing our son is too much to take but something our family will have to live with for the rest of our lives.

“We miss him very much.”

Muhammad Samir Uddin pictured below: