Saudi Arabian student, 20, stabbed to death outside apartments 'was on his third summer in Cambridge' and known as a 'nice kid'
Mohammed Algasim, 20, died on Saturday night outside luxury apartments in Mill Park, in what police have described as an 'unprovoked attack'.
Paramedics battled to save his life for more than 30 minutes but he was pronounced dead at 12.01am.
The student was on a 10-week placement at EF International Language Campuses Cambridge - a private school offering English language courses to overseas students.
The school told the Daily Mail in a statement today: 'We are deeply saddened by what has happened.
'At this time, we are focused on supporting our students, staff and Mohammed's family.'
Local Natalie Ahluwalia revealed how Mr Algasim had been leaning against a tree in the square and chatting with four or five of his friends just hours before he died.
Today, his grief-stricken family travelled to the city and prayed near where floral tributes have been laid.
The Daily Mail has been told they arrived in order to organise the repatriation of Mr Algasim to his native country in order for him to be buried, according to his Muslim religion.
Ms Ahluwalia, a 39-year-old mother, told the Daily Mail: 'The students come here every summer when the university students leave. I don't know them personally, but they are part of our community.
'Mohammed and his friends used to spend time here in this square. There's never any trouble at all. They're really nice kids. They just sit out and socialise.
'I saw him in the evening, at about 8.30pm on Friday night as I was going to the mosque. He was there, leaning up against a tree, with four or five boys. He was chatting.
'They come here to make friends with each other and socialise. They're lovely, kind and polite.'
She had come home from the mosque and was in her flat with her son when Mohammed was killed.
She said: 'I heard this screaming. A girl was screaming. It was an endless scream.'
Chas Corrigan, 21, from Cambridge, has been charged with murder and possession of a knife in a public place.
He appeared before Peterborough Magistrates' Court yesterday and was remanded in custody.
Mr Algasim's heartbroken family yesterday paid tribute to 'a young man brimming with enthusiasm, brimming with chivalry and courage'.
His uncle, Majed Abalkhail, also spoke out to say he hopes the tragic death will 'prompt serious reflection on public safety and the protection of innocent lives'.
He told The National that 'many people' in the UK and abroad had expressed growing concerns about a 'rise in violent crime' in Britain.
Mr Abalkhail added: 'We believe the country is no longer a safe destination for students or tourists.'
The doting uncle went on to describe his nephew as a 'calm, kind-hearted young man, loved and respected by everyone who knew him'.
In a statement, Mr Alqassem's family said: 'He was a dutiful son, a loving brother, and the leader of the family in spirit, not in appearance.
'He was cheerful, chivalrous, pure of heart, quick to give, and passionate about others.
'Over time, he became the family's charisma, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy in every gathering.
'He was his father's support, his familiar companion, and the assistant to his uncles and maternal uncles.
'He was the most compassionate person to ever visit a mother's heart and the closest to his sisters' embrace.'
Floral tributes have been left on the pavement outside one of the buildings as mourners pay their respects to the student.
A message, on a piece of paper taped to a barrier behind the tributes, said 'may your soul be at peace' and had heart shapes drawn on it.
It also said 'inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un', which is an Arabic phrase meaning 'to God we belong and to Him we return'.
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