Police investigating the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old boy are asking people not to speculate about the identity of two youths charged with his murder after images of the alleged suspects were posted on social media. 

Sarmad Al-Saidi, 16, was found with stab injuries to his chest and legs after officers were called to a house in Chatham Place in Preston at 5.43pm on Wednesday December 23.

He was initially treated at the scene but was later transferred to hospital where he sadly died on Sunday December 27.

Three people have been charged with his murder and have been remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday December 30. 

Along with Jamie Dixon, 18, of Clayton Avenue, Leyland, two of the people charged are under the age of 18, and therefore cannot be identified.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We are aware of people speculating the identity of the two youths charged with Sarmad’s murder, including posting images they claim are the two boys.

"We would like to remind everyone that there are reporting restrictions in place preventing the ID of the two youth defendants.

"Publishing anything that reveals their identities is a criminal offence and could result in a custodial sentence, in addition to seriously affecting court proceedings.

"Thank you in advance for your support."

Following the stabbing, a 20-year-old man, a 28-year-old woman, both from Preston, and a 36-year-old woman from Leyland were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but have since been released under investigation.

DCI Lee Wilson, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “This incident has resulted in a young man losing his life and my thoughts are very much with Sarmad’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

"Sarmad’s family have been supported by specially-trained officers throughout this investigation and that will continue.

“While we have now charged a man and two teenagers with Sarmad’s murder, our investigation is very much ongoing and I would ask anybody with information that could assist us to come forward.

“I know this incident has had a major impact on the community and I would like to thank the public for their extremely valuable support with this murder inquiry. ”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 0575 of December 24, 2020, or report it via the major incident portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020120S05-PO1.

Alternatively call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.