Family of murdered 16-year-old Baye Bireme Fall thank Peterborough community for bringing them 'comfort' and 'strength' in time of grief
The family of Baye Bireme Fall have thanked the community in Peterborough for bringing them comfort and strength in grief.
The city came together at the Ortongate Shopping Centre on Saturday (April 18) to hold a vigil to call for an end to knife crime and to honour the life of BB, who was murdered last Sunday (April 12).
Hundreds turned out to remember share their memories of Baye and to release balloons in his memory. A large amount of flowers and other items close to Baye’s heart were also placed at the memorial, which remains in place on Riseholme in Orton Goldhay, close to the scene of the attack.
Funeral prayers for Baye were held at Masjid Ghousia on Gladstone Street on Monday (April 20), which was attended by large numbers of mourners, and his body will now be repatriated to Senegal for final burial.
Baye's parents Khalifa fall and Adji Diagne have now thanked the community in the city for their support in the past week since the tragic news of Baye’s death.
A statement on behalf of the family said: "On behalf of the Fall Family and the Gambian community in Peterborough, we would like to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude to the Peterborough community, and to people across the UK and around the world, for the overwhelming love, compassion, and support shown to us during this profoundly painful time.
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the tragic loss of our beloved son and loved one, Baye Bireme Fall. As Allah reminds us, “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.”
"During our grief, your prayers, kind words, visits, vigils, and acts of solidarity have brought us comfort and strength.
"Your compassion has lifted us when our hearts were broken and reminded us that Baye’s life was valued, honoured, and loved far beyond his family and community.
“We humbly thank everyone who stood with us, supported us, and kept us in their prayers. May Allah reward each and every one of you for your kindness, patience, and unity during our time of hardship.”