The family of Thomas Roberts have paid tribute to the 21-year-old following the conviction of Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai for his murder on Monday 23 January at a trial at Salisbury Crown Court.

Thomas Roberts had been out with friends in Bournemouth town centre on the night of Friday 11 March 2022. At around 4.30am on Saturday 12 March 2022 he was walking with a friend along Old Christchurch Road when they came across an electric scooter outside a Subway store.

When Mr Roberts’ friend stood on the scooter, the defendant approached in an aggressive manner and said it was his.

Mr Roberts stood in between them to intervene which tragically resulted in Abdulrahimzai stabbing him twice.

Mr Roberts collapsed on the ground as Adulrahimzai ran off from the scene through Horseshoe Common. The victim’s friend gave chase but lost sight of him and went back to assist Mr Roberts.

Members of the public provided first aid before police officers and paramedics attended and found Mr Roberts had sustained two stab wounds to his left side. He was taken to hospital however, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was sadly pronounced dead at 8.10am.

An investigation was launched and led by detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).

During searches of the area, a phone was recovered from Horseshoe Common where the offender had been seen to run through. This phone was traced to Abdulrahimzai.

CCTV enquiries showed Abdulrahimzai leaving his address on the evening of Friday 11 March 2022 wearing the same clothing as the offender captured on CCTV footage of the stabbing. He was seen to return home the following morning wearing different clothing.

As a result of the dynamic response, Abdulrahimzai was located and arrested during the early hours of Sunday 13 March 2022.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Huxter, of MCIT, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Thomas Roberts. Nothing will ever make up for their tragic loss and I would like to pay tribute to them for the dignified way they have conducted themselves throughout the investigation and court process. I also pay tribute to those that came to Tommy’s aid in the aftermath of the incident.

“We have worked tirelessly to compile evidence to secure a conviction for this senseless murder and I would like to thank my investigation team and all those who worked on this case. I would also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and the prosecution team for their professionalism, expertise and dedication in achieving justice for Tommy and his family.

“This case serves as another reminder of the truly devastating consequences of knife crime. Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai’s decision to go out in possession of a knife on the night of this murder and his utterly indefensible decision to use that weapon has seen a much-loved young man’s life cruelly taken away.

“Dorset Police remains committed to doing all it can to combat knife crime so we can prevent future tragedies such as this, but we need the public’s help to do so. If you believe someone is in immediate possession of a knife or offensive weapon, please dial 999. If you would like to report your concerns about a knife carrier or need some advice, please call 101 or visit dorset.police.uk and report it online. Dorset Police will always relentlessly pursue those that are responsible for senseless tragedies such as this.”

In a statement Thomas Roberts’ family said they could not describe the loss of their son, brother, partner, friend in the tragic circumstances of his violent and unnecessary death.

It continued: “Thomas was loved by many people and continues to be loved in his absence.

“He was a bright young man with a sense humour. Active sportsman and loved his DJing in his spare time.

“He had a potentially fulfilling future to look forward to, whether that be in his profession of precision engineer or his potential in the military.

“Thomas was a normal kind person, who had enjoyed life. On the night of his tragic death, he was in town with friends having good time when he was suddenly involved in an incident involving a large knife that cost him his life. The family would like this to be a warning to everyone not to carry knives so other families do not suffer in the way we as a family are suffering now.”