A man has been found guilty of murdering a Cambridge student in a knife attack that shocked the city. Chas Corrigan used a kitchen knife to stab 20-year-old Mohammed Yousef Algasim in the neck in Mill Park on the evening of 1 August. Mohammed ran from the scene but collapsed moments later as a member of the public called for an ambulance.
Three off-duty doctors and paramedics found Mohammed bleeding heavily on the pavement. Despite their best efforts to save him, the injury to his neck was so severe that he was pronounced dead at 12.19am.
CCTV and Public Tip-Off Led to Arrest
The whole incident was captured on CCTV, which showed 22-year-old Corrigan running from the scene.
A media appeal was launched hours after the incident and, following a tip-off from a member of the public, Corrigan was arrested.
Throughout the trial at Cambridge Crown Court, Corrigan, of Holbrook Road, Cambridge, accepted he was the man seen in the CCTV footage and that he had been carrying a knife. He told the court he had the weapon to scare off potential attackers but claimed he had no intention of using it.
Corrigan said he did not intend to cause harm and had aimed to wave the knife between himself and the victim.
Following a two-week trial, on 2 March a jury took less than two hours to find him guilty of murdering Mohammed Yousef Algasim. He is due to be sentenced at a later date.
Family: “A Deep Void in Our Lives”
In a statement issued after the verdict, Mohammed’s family described the devastating impact of his death.
“This has been a very difficult journey for our family. Losing Mohammed has left a deep void in our lives. Whilst nothing can bring him back, today’s verdict recognises the seriousness and brutality of how his life was taken.
“We thank Cambridgeshire Police for their thorough investigation. In particular, we are grateful to Lucy Bright and Charlie Sermon for their steady communication and support. We also acknowledge the wider investigation team and those working behind the scenes for their efforts.
“We recognise the prosecution team, especially Nicholas Hearn and Ruby Shrimpton, for their clear and focused presentation of the case. We understand that the legal system here is different from our own, but within the British legal framework, they carried out their responsibilities with professionalism and commitment.
“Finally, we thank the jury for their thorough consideration of the evidence and for reaching a verdict based on the facts presented in court.”
Mohammed, from Saudi Arabia, was on a 10-week placement studying English in the city at the time of his death.
In a separate tribute, his family described him as “a young man brimming with enthusiasm, brimming with chivalry and courage”. They said he was a dutiful son, loving brother and the “leader of the family in spirit”, adding that he left behind “an unforgettable legacy in every gathering”.
Police: “Senseless and Devastating Attack”
Detective Inspector Dale Mepstead, who led the investigation from the Major Crime Unit, said: “This was a senseless and devastating attack on a young man with his whole life ahead of him. Corrigan armed himself with a knife and chose to carry it onto the streets of Cambridge — a decision that had tragic consequences.
“I want to thank the members of the public who came forward, as well as the medical professionals who tried desperately to save Mohammed’s life. Our thoughts remain with his family, who have shown incredible strength throughout this investigation.”
Anyone with information about someone carrying a knife is urged to report it to police online or call 101. In an emergency, always call 999.
