15-Year-Old Footballer and Father Critically Injured in Home Invasion
A violent and 'unprovoked' house raid has left a teenage footballer and his businessman father in a life-threatening condition after they were stabbed by masked intruders.
A 15-year-old boy and his father are fighting for their lives after being stabbed during an apparent home invasion in Thurnby, Leicestershire. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday when masked individuals reportedly entered the family's home. Armed police responded to the scene following reports that three people had been assaulted.
Imrane Chelirem, a youth footballer for Coalville Town Raptors, and his father Mohamed Chelirem, a director of a vehicle recovery firm, sustained stab wounds and are in critical condition at a hospital. A woman in her 40s also suffered minor injuries to her hand and shoulder and has since been discharged. Three other children who were present in the house at the time were unharmed.
The football club where Imrane plays has launched a fundraising appeal to support the family, describing the incident as devastating to its community. "Imrane is so much more than our number 15. He's a teammate, a friend and a huge part of our football family," the club stated, adding a message of support: "Keep fighting, Imrane. Your whole football family is right behind you."
The GoFundMe page aims to rally support for the family during this difficult time. "We want to come together to show this family that they are not facing this difficult journey alone," the page reads.
Leicestershire Police have confirmed that the investigation is being led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU). Extra patrols are being conducted in the Harborough and Wigston area to reassure residents. Neighbors have reported a significant police presence in the vicinity since the incident, with officers seen searching nearby areas.
Detective Inspector Lorna Granville of EMSOU described the attack as "violent" and "completely unprovoked." She issued an appeal for information, urging anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around Station Road and Somerby Road between 11 p.m. on Wednesday and the early hours of Thursday to come forward. This includes drivers who may have captured relevant footage on dashcams or residents with CCTV or doorbell camera recordings.
"We owe it to the victims to locate the perpetrators and bring them to justice," DI Granville stated. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.