Abdullah, 16, had visited corner shop run by relative minutes before fatal Darnall collision that also left e-bike rider seriously injured
Two men charged with murdering a 16-year-old Yemeni teenager who had arrived in Britain just weeks earlier “for a better future” appeared in court today accused of deliberately targeting e-bike riders before the fatal collision.
Zulkernain Ahmed, 20, and Armaan Ahmed, 26, stood side-by-side in the glass-fronted dock at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court charged with killing Abdullah Yaser Abdullah Al Yazidi in what police described as a deliberate hit-and-run attack.
The teenager was walking along Staniforth Road in the Darnall area of Sheffield last Wednesday afternoon when he was struck by a grey Audi and suffered fatal injuries – just minutes after visiting his relative’s corner shop.
NO PLEA ENTERED
Neither defendant was asked to enter pleas when they appeared before District Judge James Gould on Monday morning.
Both men, who share the same surname but whose relationship was not disclosed in court, are charged with:
- One count of murder
- Three counts of attempted murder
The attempted murder charges relate to three electric bike riders who police say were targeted by the Audi before it struck Abdullah.
Judge Gould told the defendants: “The next hearing in your case in respect of all of these charges is the 10th of June at the crown court in Sheffield.”
Both men were remanded in custody.
THE TRAGIC SEQUENCE
South Yorkshire Police revealed the horrifying sequence of events that led to Abdullah’s death:
- A grey Audi allegedly drove towards THREE electric bikes on Staniforth Road
- The car collided with one rider – an 18-year-old man who suffered serious injuries
- As the Audi continued, it struck Abdullah as he walked along the road
- The driver failed to stop at the scene
The 18-year-old e-bike rider remains in hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
‘DESTROYED EVERYTHING’
Abdullah had arrived in the UK from war-torn Yemen just TWO or THREE MONTHS ago, brought by his father who hoped to give him a “better future.”
The teenager’s relative, Saleh Alsirkal, who runs the corner shop on Staniforth Road that Abdullah visited minutes before his death, revealed the family’s devastation.
“His dad brought him over to change his life, to get a better future for his son, but this has happened and destroyed everything,” Mr Alsirkal told reporters.
He revealed Abdullah had:
- Visited the shop after a hospital appointment
- Popped in “as he often did” before heading off to find food
- Been devoted to learning English
- Been due to start college in September
‘KIND BOY’ WHO LOVED FAMILY
Relatives described Abdullah as a “kind boy” who would “light up their faces with a big smile” and was devoted to his family, including his three sisters.
Mr Alsirkal said Abdullah “just wanted to look after his family” and had thrown himself into learning English in preparation for starting his new life at college.
Flowers have been left at the scene where the teenager died, as the community struggles to comprehend the senseless tragedy.
ARRESTS CONTINUE
The murder charges come as two other people remain on police bail in connection with the incident:
- A 46-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender
- A 45-year-old woman arrested on the same charge
Both were bailed pending further inquiries as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
FROM LOCKE DRIVE TO DOCK
Court documents revealed both defendants live at the same address on Locke Drive in Sheffield – approximately two miles from where Abdullah was killed.
The charges allege all offences were committed on Wednesday, June 4, when the fatal incident occurred in broad daylight on the busy Darnall street.
CROWN COURT NEXT
The case will next be heard at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday, June 10, where the defendants are expected to enter pleas to the charges.
Both men face life imprisonment if convicted of murder, with attempted murder also carrying a potential life sentence.
COMMUNITY IN SHOCK
The Darnall community remains in shock over the death of the teenager who had fled Yemen seeking safety and opportunity in Britain.
Local residents have expressed their horror at the violent incident that claimed the life of someone so young who had just begun building a new life.
The case has raised questions about street safety in the area, with the alleged targeting of e-bike riders before the fatal collision causing particular concern.
THE INVESTIGATION
South Yorkshire Police continue to appeal for witnesses to the incident, particularly anyone who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time.
Detectives are working to establish the full circumstances of what led to the Audi allegedly being driven at the e-bike riders before striking Abdullah.
The force has not revealed any potential motive for the alleged attacks.
