A sports-mad teen stabbed to death in a park was described yesterday as “cheerful young man who always had a smile on his face”.
Tragic Azzam Raguragui, 18, was knifed in the chest in Finsbury Park, Dundrum, South Dublin, on Friday evening after an alleged row among youths.
A teenage boy presented himself to detectives yesterday and is helping them with their inquiries.
Dublin Live has learned Azzam, who it’s understood was walking home from evening prayers, got involved in a row at Finsbury Park, Dundrum.
As cops launched a murder probe, a source said: “It wasn’t a hate crime, a row got out of control.
“A group of youngsters were loitering in the park from the early evening when a row broke out.
“Things escalated and a weapon was produced. In the scuffle that followed young Azzam was tragically stabbed to death.
“It’s obviously tragic for the young man, his family and his friends and it’s shocking to think that this could happen in daylight in a park full of people just out enjoying themselves.”
Yesterday evening a teenage boy presented himself at a south Dublin Garda station and was helping officers with their probe.
A spokesman said detectives are following “a definite line of inquiry” and are “currently not considering any racial motive in relation to this ongoing investigation”.
Gardai say Dundrum teen stabbing was 'not a hate crime' but a row that went tragically wrong
Azzam, who was described as a friendly, cheerful young man, was a GAA fan who
hoped to become an entrepreneur.
Known to his pals as Azzy, he was a popular teenager in the Dundrum area. His family are originally from Morocco.
Special prayers in his memory were held at the Sufi Mosque on Dublin’s Talbot Street yesterday evening.
In a statement, a spokesman for the Irish Sufi Foundation said: “Just received the devastating and heartbreaking news that our young brother Azzam was stabbed to death in a Dundrum park last night.
“Azzam was a kind, courteous, respectful and cheerful young man who always had a smile on
his face.
“He was bright, talented and ambitious with aspirations to become a successful entrepreneur.
“Such a tragic loss. A wonderful young life full of potential cut short. My deepest condolences to Azzam’s parents and family. May Allah give his parents and family patience during this difficult time.”
Azzam’s relative Younes Talibi posted a tribute on a GoFundMe page, writing: “My dear cousin Azzam, you’ll be highly missed.
“May Allah grant him the highest place in paradise, forgive his sins and give strength to his family and friends.”
Other pals took to social media to pay their respects to the young man. One wrote “In a better place now Azzy” while another posted “Rip Azzy. Fly high angel”.
Gardai are seeking to speak with anyone who was in the area at 8.10pm.
Azzam was treated at the scene by emergency services before being taken to St James’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Three different crime scenes have been preserved around Finsbury Park. It is understood a number of people were in the vicinity at the time.
Pals pay tribute to popular teen who was stabbed to death in south Dublin park
A postmortem was due to be carried out yesterday afternoon while a full Garda technical examination took place at the park earlier.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has details is asked to contact detectives on 01666 5600 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.
