Medical student killed over 20p orange had fled Afghan conflict

Khalilulah Nasseri, 24, was attacked outside his cousin's greengrocer's in Brixton by a gang of men - one of whom had tried to steal the 20p orange two days earlier.

The man was caught taking the fruit on Thursday and told to leave, but vowed revenge. On Saturday evening he returned with four friends armed with a hammer and knives.

Mr Nasseri, who had nothing to do with the initial dispute, had been standing outside the shop helping two others clear up when they were set upon.

He was fatally stabbed in the back at MS Nasseri Quality Fruit and Vegetables in Electric Avenue.

Owner Asad Nasseri said today he was considering closing the business because of the murder.

"Everyone cannot go there now. It just reminds us of his dead body. Everyone has broken hearts - and for what? Everyone loved him. We all feel empty."

Another cousin, Lotfullah Nassiry, 24, said the medical student had come to Britain seeking asylum but was turned down and was due to return to Afghanistan and continue studying to become a doctor like his father.

He said: "He was refreshing his knowledge and studying from books so that he wasn't behind when he went back. He was not able to study here at university. He loved the UK. He was so friendly and popular. He was never in trouble with anyone. He had such a good character.

"When he was murdered 200 people were there standing in the rain by the store to pay their respects - the body was there. We told them to go home but they would not. I can't believe what has happened. We are in so much pain."

Mr Nassiry, a shop assistant, said security at the market was appalling. "I called police to tell them of the row the day before but they did not do anything."

The medical student was the oldest of three brothers and two sisters who live in the eastern part of Afghanistan with their parents.

They have not been told of the death at the wishes of the family in London because of necessary delays in receiving the body from police as they carry out their inquiry. Close friend Ahmed Haqiquat, 25, said the shock had torn the community apart. The Streatham postman, who came to Britain in 2001, said: "We have been at war for 30 years in Afghanistan. We came to this country for safety, we try to be a part of this society - but what kind of people are here who would do this? We accept the values of the country and respect the rules and laws. But if someone can kill a person for 20p - it is just hopeless."

Police said the stabbing involved a black gang. Witnesses should call the incident room at Sutton on 020 8721 4155.