Tributes paid to Forest Gate stabbing victim Sami Sidhom during peace walk

Vicar Ben Atkins speakinga at the beginning of the walk. Picture: Lloyd Jeans (Image: Lloyd Jeans)

Neighbours and campaigners met at the Fox and Hound in Forest Gate on Sunday at the 18th minute of the West Ham match against Manchester City.

After the 18th minute passed there were speeches before the walkers set off on their way to Britannia Village.

Sami’s neighbour Annu Mayor, who helped organise the event, said it was to “provide support and offer some comfort to Sami’s family”.

People in the community are “shocked and distraught” by the killing of a well-liked young man with bright prospects for the future.

The beginning of the peace walk. Picture: Lloyd Jeans (Image: Lloyd Jeans)

Annu believes the walk “strengthened the community” because there has been a willingness to “share, talk and understand” experiences of Sami’s death.

“He was a young innocent boy,” she adds.

A vicar in Canning Town, The Rev Ben Atkins, who led the walk, has called for community action to help tackle violent crime.

He said: “The cycle of violence that is spilling out onto our streets is a complicated puzzle that can be solved if enough people play their part.

The beginning of the peace walk. Picture: Lloyd Jeans (Image: Lloyd Jeans)

“There are issues with government and organised crime to name a few. One puzzle piece is local communities taking responsibility to live their everyday lives in a way which serves others and looks out for their neighbours.”

He added: “Big changes often start with small but symbolic actions that move us in the right direction.”

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and has been bailed pending further enquiries later in May.

There has also been a book condolences left by the police at Number 8 Forest Gate which anyone can leave a note inside.

To write in the remembrance book, visit emporium Number 8 Forest Gate in Sebert Road.