A sixth teenager has been charged with the murder of 17-year-old Bilal Nisar in Luton, whose family have remembered him as an “amazing brother, son, uncle and friend” with a bright future ahead of him.
The latest charges come as Bedfordshire Police continue their investigation into the killing of Bilal, who suffered multiple stab wounds during violent disorder at Kingsway Recreation Ground on July 24.
A 17-year-old boy appeared at Luton Magistrates’ Court charged with murder, violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.
Eshan Wahid, 19, of Kirton Way, Houghton Regis, was also charged with assisting an offender.
Both were remanded in custody, while another 17-year-old arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was released on bail. Police said they were continuing to search for two other people they believe were involved in the incident.
The latest murder charge means six teenagers have now been charged with killing Bilal.
The defendants include a 16-year-old and five 17-year-olds. Because of their ages, the identities of those under 18 cannot currently be reported.
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Bilal was fatally injured after police were called to Kingsway Recreation Ground shortly after 6.30pm on Friday July 24 following reports of violent disorder involving a number of teenagers.
Police said there had been scenes of “horrific violence” and reports of teenagers carrying large knives. Bilal was rushed to hospital suffering from multiple stab wounds but died shortly afterwards.
His death has devastated his family and the wider Luton Muslim community.
In a tribute released following his death, Bilal’s family described him as an “amazing brother, son, uncle and friend” and said his kindness and sense of humour would light up a room. They added: “He had a bright future ahead of him, but we cherish the memories he has left us with.”
The family concluded their tribute with a dua for the teenager: “May Allah SWT grant him Jannatul Firdous. Ameen… Indeed, to Allah we belong and indeed, to Him we shall return.”
The family thanked the local community for its support and asked for privacy as they mourn Bilal.
Community janazah announcements identified Bilal as the beloved son of Mohammad Nisar and brother of Humzah Nisar and Hasan Nisar.
His janazah was held at Luton Central Mosque, where members of the community gathered to pray for the teenager.
Bedfordshire Police’s Major Crime Unit has continued making arrests and bringing charges in connection with the killing.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gardner said: “Our thoughts remain with Bilal’s family at this time.”
He said officers had been “working around the clock” to locate those suspected of involvement and appealed for the two outstanding individuals, or anyone who knows where they are, to contact police.
Earlier in the investigation, Detective Inspector Caeva Taylor also said police were continuing to establish exactly what happened during the violence and appealed for witnesses and information from the public.
Bilal’s killing has caused particular concern in Luton after graphic footage connected to the violence circulated on social media.
The murder investigation remains ongoing.
