Teenager 'stabbed by four men'

Ross Parker was attacked with a "very large" knife and a hammer after leaving the Peterborough pub where he worked in the early hours of the morning on 20 September 2001, Northampton Crown Court was told.

Stephen Coward QC said that shortly after the attack one of the defendants, Ahmed Ali Awan, was seen waving a knife and shouting words to the effect of "cherish the blood".

Shaied Nazir, 21, Ziaraff Mahrad, 21, Ahmed Ali Awan, 22, and Sarfraz Ali, 25, all of Peterborough, all deny murder.

The court heard Mr Parker and his girlfriend Nicky Toms, then 19, had left the Solstice pub where they both worked and were walking to a friend's house.

The pair met a man, apparently drunk or on drugs, who was walking away from them towards a group of men.

"Then Nicola heard them say, 'Better start running'.

"It was as if it was an invitation to Nicky and the deceased to run from the scene."

Mr Coward said the pair had continued walking and were confronted by another group of men.

Ms Toms had then heard an aerosol spray, and realised it was being directed into Mr Parker's eyes.

"He was punched in the stomach.

"He let go of Nicky's hand and went to the ground."

Stab wounds

Ms Toms had estimated there were four people kicking him as he lay on the ground, said Mr Coward.

She ran off to get help, and a passing police car stopped.

A policewoman accompanied her back to the scene, where "it was obvious to all that he was dead", said Mr Coward.

A medical expert established there were several stab wounds to Mr Parker's body and neck.

Mr Parker's parents Tony, 51, and Davinia, 46, and sister Leanne, 24, were in court on Thursday.

Ms Toms is due to give evidence later.

The trial continues.