A student from Saudi Arabia was fatally stabbed in Cambridge, and two individuals were taken into custody following the disturbing incident.
In the quiet city of Cambridge, UK, tragedy struck late on the night of August 1, 2025, when a 20-year-old Saudi student named Mohammed Al-Qassem was fatally stabbed in an unprovoked attack near Mill Park, close to Cambridge train station.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 11:27 p.m., but despite efforts by paramedics, Al-Qassem was pronounced dead just after midnight. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with tributes pouring in across social media and flowers and handwritten messages placed at the scene in Al-Qassem's memory.
Chas Corrigan, a 21-year-old Cambridge man, has been charged with Al-Qassem's murder and possession of a knife in a public place. Corrigan appeared at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on Monday and is set to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing. A second man, aged 50, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender in the case and remains in custody, while a third suspect is still at large.
Al-Qassem was enrolled in a 10-week English language program at EF International Language Campus in Cambridge at the time of the incident. The attack was described by police as unprovoked, and no motive has been disclosed. The family of the victim has expressed concern about safety in the UK and called for reflection on public safety.
Mohammed Al-Qassem was not only a dedicated student but also known for his devotion and volunteer work assisting pilgrims visiting the Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The investigation is ongoing, and the Saudi Embassy has been coordinating with British authorities regarding the incident and arrangements for repatriating the victim’s body.
Legal proceedings for the accused began with an appearance at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court and a scheduled hearing at Cambridge Crown Court. The police continue to seek further information from the public as the investigation progresses. Our thoughts are with Al-Qassem's family and friends during this difficult time.
The tragedy that occurred in Cambridge, UK, on August 1, 2025, has stirred general-news discussions and sparked concerns about public safety, particularly for international students like Mohammed Al-Qassem. The history of Al-Qassem shows he was a diligent student involved in volunteer work and a devoted pilgrim in Makkah. The crime-and-justice system, as represented by the court proceedings, is now working to unravel the motive behind the unprovoked attack. Meanwhile, the investigation continues, and the Saudi Embassy is facilitating arrangements for Al-Qassem's repatriation. The science of criminology may offer insights into such unforeseen acts, while the field of politics grapples with addressing public concerns about safety.
