London police seek caller they think may unlock mystery of 'cowardly' murder of football fan


Detectives are seeking an anonymous caller they think may unlock the mystery of the ‘cowardly’ murder of an 18-year-old football fan in 2018.

Police are offering £20,000 for information that leads to the conviction of those who killed Sami Sidhom in Newham, east London.

An anonymous caller gave several tip offs earlier in the case but has not spoken directly to officers.

The Met think they could have vital information which could help bring Mr Sidhom’s killers to justice.

Police are offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of those who killed Sami Sidhom (pictured) in Newham, east London

Police are offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of those who killed Sami Sidhom (pictured) in Newham, east London 

An anonymous caller gave several tip offs earlier in the case but has not spoken directly to officers. Pictured: Mr Sidhom

An anonymous caller gave several tip offs earlier in the case but has not spoken directly to officers. Pictured: Mr Sidhom

Detective Inspector John Marriott said: ‘I understand how daunting it can be to come forward after such a terrible crime but investigations like this rely on the bravery of witnesses who find it in themselves to do so.

‘My officers are here to provide whatever support we can to anyone who is willing to tell us what they know.

‘Sami’s family have been devastated by the senseless loss of their son. For three years they have had only questions, but no justice.

‘I urge anyone who has information about Sami’s murder, but in particular the person who has reached out anonymously before to provide key information, to contact us.’

Mr Sidhom was stabbed to death on April 16, 2018, in Forest Gate, east London, as he made his way home from watching West Ham versus Stoke at the London Stadium.

A gang attacked him in the dark and although ten people have been arrested no one has been charged.

After the match, Mr Sidhom took a bus to Romford Road and set out on the last part of his journey by foot.

He made his way along Sebert Road and turned left into Cranmer Road before turning into Capel Road and crossing over into Chestnut Avenue.

CCTV from the night showed a silver car approaching the end of Chestnut Avenue where he crosses.

The same camera showed three men chasing him back into Chestnut Avenue followed by the same car. After the attack, the silver car and another car drove off.

Mr Sidhom’s father Samer also made an emotional appeal for information on Friday night.

Mr Sidhom's father Samer (pictured at his son's grave) also made an emotional appeal for information on Friday night

Mr Sidhom’s father Samer (pictured at his son’s grave) also made an emotional appeal for information on Friday night

He said: ‘My only son, Sami, was stabbed to death near his home as he returned from watching a football game of his favourite team, West Ham. He was only 18.

‘Sami was a wonderful son. He was a kind young man who always tried to help his family, friends and colleagues, and was respected by everyone who knew him.

‘He did everything right. He fought hard to win his place in society and some cowards in the dark stabbed him in the back.

‘My son’s killers are still walking the streets free of conviction or charge. I need you to provide the evidence to convict them.

‘You know who you are and you have a choice. A choice to be someone that hides in the dark, or a brave person who sets the record straight.

‘If you know the killers you already know they killed a perfectly innocent person for no reason whatsoever.

‘He has done nothing to anyone; he was never involved in anything and had nothing to do with his killers. The only person that would stop them from doing the same to you is you.’

Mr Sidhom was stabbed to death on April 16, 2018, in Forest Gate, east London, as he made his way home from watching West Ham versus Stoke at the London Stadium. Pictured: His grave

Mr Sidhom was stabbed to death on April 16, 2018, in Forest Gate, east London, as he made his way home from watching West Ham versus Stoke at the London Stadium. Pictured: His grave 

Ten people have previously been arrested in connection with the murder.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on April 23, 2018, and was released under investigation.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder on May 3, 2018. He was released and no further action will be taken.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on May 4, 2018, and was released under investigation.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on May 4, 2018, but was released and no further action will be taken.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on May 10, 2018. He was released under investigation.

A 15-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of murder on May 10, 2018. He was under investigation.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on July 13, 2018, but was released under investigation.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday, 16 July 2018. He was also released under investigation.

A 21-year-old man arrested on August 21 on suspicion of murder was released under investigation.

And a 22-year-old man was arrested on the December 18, 2018, but was released under investigation. 

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