Teenager who stabbed man in the heart during brawl can be named for the first time after being locked up for murder

Nasir Al-Shumari can be identified now he's turned 18

A teenager who stabbed a man in the heart during a city centre brawl can be named for the first time after being locked up for murder.

Last summer, Nasir Al-Shumari was detained at His Majesty's Pleasure - ordered to serve a minimum term of 14 years - following a trial into the death of Ahmed Alsrhan in August 2023.

As he was 17 when he was jailed, Al-Shumari could not be named.

Victim Mr Alsrhan was drinking coffee with his brother and friends when he was approached by Mohammed Al-Enizi Hameed on August 16, 2023.

Al-Enizi Hameed, 36, asked 'who are you?', before shouting to others: "Bring the knife, let's kill them."

One of those who ran over was Al-Shumari, then 16. During the fracas, Mr Alsrhan, 33, was stabbed in the heart by Al-Shumari and pushed into the Rochdale Canal at Piccadilly Basin.

His friend Sami Alhaj was also knifed. Mr Alsrhan was left with wounds to his abdomen, armpit and lung.

In mobile phone footage played to Minshull Street Crown Court, Al-Enizi Hameed's group was seen shouting and gesturing at Mr Alsrhan's group as he walked away clutching his side.

Mr Alsrhan managed to climb out of the water before going back to Dale Street, where he collapsed. He had open heart surgery at the scene and was rushed to hospital, but died after suffering severe brain damage.

A pathologist later found he suffered a deep stab wound to his heart. Mohammed Al-Enizi Hameed, 36; and Al-Shumari were convicted of murder last summer following a nine-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Both were also convicted of wounding in relation to others hurt, as were another man - Hussein Muhalhal - and a teenager who cannot be named.

Reporting restrictions prevented Al-Shumari being identified in press reports of the case due to his age. As he is now 18, those restrictions have lapsed and he can be named.

The court previously heard Al-Enizi Hameed put his 'hands into his pocket' as if he was reaching for something, before Mr Alsrhan and his brother grabbed hold of him. He shouted for others to join him, prosecutors said.

Four other men ran to the scene and a melee ensued. Mr Alsrhan was stabbed and pushed into the canal. Prosecutors said he was stabbed by Al-Shumari and pushed into the canal by Al-Enizi Hameed.

Al-Shumari had no previous convictions, but had been found with a knife at school, prosecutor Sharon Beattie KC said.

Mr Shafi KC, in mitigation, said it was a 'spontaneous episode of violence', saying his client had 'deficiencies in emotional development'. He said the knife was not taken purposefully to the scene by Al-Shumari, but he 'happened to have it'.

He added: "The incident was tragic and fatal. He was 16 at the time, and he has been diagnosed with conduct disorder due to his traumatic upbringing."

Judge Justice Edward Pepperall said: "The offence was committed in broad daylight, in a public area and could be seen by passing pedestrians.

"He [Mr Alsrhan] was clearly a much loved young man who was simply enjoying a coffee on a summer afternoon and his life was cut so tragically short."

• Mohammed Al-Enizi Hameed, 36, of Brighton Grove, Rusholme, was convicted of murder; and section 18 wounding. He was jailed for life to serve a minimum term of 25 years
• Nasir Al-Shumari, of Botham Close, Hulme, now 18, was found guilty of murder; and section 18 wounding. He was detained at His Majesty's Pleasure to serve a minimum term of 14 years
• Hussein Muhalhal, 20, of Lower Park Road, Longsight, was found guilty of section 18 wounding. He was jailed for five-and-a-half years
• A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of section 18 wounding. He was detained for two-and-a-half years in a young offender institution

Speaking after the sentencing hearing last June, Ahmed Alsrhan's family said: "The family of Ahmed Alsrhan continue to grieve in private on their loss in this senseless taking of Ahmed's life.

"The family of Ahmed would like to thank the Investigation Team at Greater Manchester Police together with the CPS who undertook this investigation and brought those responsible for Ahmed's murder, to face the courts and ultimately justice for their actions."