Tributes flow for Ascot Vale stabbing victim, 40yo Thomas from Papua New Guinea
The man fatally stabbed in Ascot Vale has been remembered by his family as a passionate musician and poet who sometimes busked in Melbourne’s CBD.
A man stabbed to death in a horror daylight attack has been remembered as a passionate musician.
Forty-year-old Thomas was fatally wounded at the intersection of Maribyrnong and Union roads in Ascot Vale about 3.45pm on Sunday afternoon.
He was rushed to hospital but he died a short time later.
Thomas’ family told media he was born in Papua New Guinea, arriving in Australia when he was six years old.
His loved ones said he loved music and poetry, and was known at times to busk in Melbourne’s CBD.
The two alleged offenders fled the scene before police arrested 18-year-old Alambs Mohmmed on Ascot St about 15 minutes later.
The second man remains on the run.
Mr Mohmmed, of no fixed address, was charged with intentionally causing injury, affray, escaping custody and theft.
He fronted the Melbourne Magistrates Court for a brief hearing on Monday afternoon, where he did not apply for bail.
Charge sheets show Mr Mohmmed allegedly escaped from a police officer at some point during the incident.
He also allegedly stole $30 worth of alcohol from a BWS store in Ascot Vale on Sunday.
On Sunday, nearby shop staff rushed outside to see the bleeding man laying on the ground as officers swarmed the area.
The owner of the Ascot Vale Florist said she thought little of the altercation until she was told of a man laying on the ground bleeding.
“We were just up the back cleaning and ... we saw the people starting to help the man, it’s just shocking. I’m traumatised,” owner Lucia Lay told the Herald Sun.
Ms Lay said she saw one woman who’d attempted to save the injured man on the street.
“We saw her crying and she was traumatised, it happened very quickly,” she added.
Another nearby worker rushed outside to see the bleeding man laying on the ground.
“There were just people, they were just upset, crying, it was quite sad,” the worker told the Herald Sun.
“It’s so sad to hear, to see what happened there, it’s not good. I feel very sad for the man.”
The staff member said she felt as if the area was growing increasingly “unsafe”.
“This happened in the local area, it’s become very unsafe for people around there,” the worker added.
“Anything can happen. This shouldn’t be happening.”
Blood could be seen spattered along the footpath on Monday.
Homicide squad detectives are yet to lay any charges and are searching for the second suspect.
“Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the death of a man following an altercation near the corner of Union and Maribyrnong roads in Ascot Vale,” police said in a statement.
“Police arrested an 18-year-old man nearby at approximately 4pm and are searching for a second male suspect who fled the scene prior to police arrival.”
Mr Mohmmed was remanded in custody and will return to court later this month.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Originally published as Tributes flow for Ascot Vale stabbing victim, 40yo Thomas from Papua New Guinea
