The inquest into the death of 17-year-old Sutton student Ilyas Habibi opened at South London Coroners Court yesterday, 18 January.

Police and London Ambulance Service were called to Sutton High Street at about 7:08pm on Tuesday 5 December, following reports that a teenager had been stabbed.

On arrival, officers found Ilyas suffering from knife injuries.

They provided first aid until medics arrived, but despite the best efforts of emergency services to save him, Ilyas was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at 7:53pm.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the neck.

Police know that Ilyas arrived at Sutton High Street by train. Minutes after he came out of the station, he was involved in an altercation with a single suspect who then fled the scene.

Following extensive enquiries, the suspect was identified. On 11 December, officers found he had left the country from London Gatwick Airport on 9 December. Ilya's family were informed of this. Specially trained officers continue to support them.

Police continue to work with international partners to locate and arrest the suspect.

A 19-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was later released on bail.

Anyone with information concerning this incident should call the incident room direct on 0208 721 4622; call police on 101 or Tweet on 'X' @MetCC quoting 6107/5DEC. Information can be given directly to police here - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS23V93-PO1

To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.