Mother's tribute to race stab son

Police said Christopher Alaneme's murder was a race crime

The mother of a teenager stabbed to death in what police believe to be a racist murder has paid tribute to him.

Nigerian Christopher Alaneme, 18, was racially abused and fatally stabbed in Sheerness, Kent, on 21 April. Another man who was attacked has left hospital.

Mr Alaneme's mother Agatha said her son was a "lovely, humble, respectful, polite and promising young man".

A 29-year-old man arrested last Friday after walking into a London police station has been released on bail.

'Devastating loss'

The teenager's mother said: "It has now been 17 days since my lovely and only son Chris was taken from me.

"It has been a huge and devastating loss to our family, and everyone that knew him."

She said her son had told her "many times that Sheerness is a lovely place, and everyone is so nice".

Her son had told her the community had "welcomed him with open arms", she said.

This has ripped my heart apart Agatha Alaneme

Mrs Alaneme said: "I am so grateful, touched and overwhelmed by the love and respect shown to us, Chris's family, by the people of Sheerness.

"I know that there are many wonderful people who have already helped the police with their investigation.

"I am also sure that there are many more people who could help, that for whatever reason, have not yet come forward.

"I would like to ask those people who saw what happened, or saw or heard anything which may help, to come forward. Please do not hesitate, otherwise history could repeat itself.

"Chris is gone - it could be someone else tomorrow. I would like to put a stop to that. We don't wish that on any other family.

"This has ripped my heart apart and that of the whole family."

Five other men have been arrested and bailed in connection with the inquiry.