An innocent Muslim teenage boy was stabbed to death by a gang of thugs in a park in south Dublin.
Azzam Raguragui, 18, was walking home from his local mosque after Maghrib prayers on Friday evening when he was brutally attacked by a gang of youths at Finsbury Park in Dundrum.
He was rushed to St James’s Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived.
Gardai (Irish police) have now launched a murder investigation and are reaching out to the public for help in finding the killers.
Three separate crime scenes were preserved in the area around Finsbury Park.
Azzam, known locally to his friends as “Azzi” was a popular teen in the Dundrum area.
Special prayers in his memory were held at the Sufi Mosque on Talbot Street on Saturday 11 May.
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A spokesman for the Irish Sufi Foundation said in a statement on Saturday: “Just received the devastating and heartbreaking news that our young brother Azzam was set on by a gang of thugs and 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.
“To Allah we belong and to him is our return.”
Gardai want to speak to anyone who was in the area when the attack occurred at around 8.10pm on Friday 10 May.
It is understood that a number of people were in the area at the time.
Anyone who witnessed this incident or who have information is asked to contact the incident room at Dundrum Garda Station on 01- 666 5600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666-111 or any Garda Station.
