Young man killed while handing out church flyers

Mohamed Issa Koroma (Photo: South Yorkshire Police)

The victim of Friday's stabbing in Sheffield city centre was a young man reportedly handing out flyers for his church at the time.

Mohamed Issa Koroma was attacked in High Street at around 16:30 BST and suffered a serious stab wound.

The 24-year-old died a short time later in hospital from his injuries, South Yorkshire Police said. 

"Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time," the force said.

James Lee, 31, of Doncaster Road in Rotherham, has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed weapon in public.

He made a brief appearance in court on Tuesday, speaking only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. 

He was remanded in custody until his next hearing.

The Sheffield Star newspaper reports that while some witnesses say Mr Koroma was handing out church leaflets when the attack occurred, others said he was shopping.

Four members of his family were present for Mr Lee's court appearance. 

Addressing Mr Koroma's family members at the end of the session, District Judge Mrs Naomi Redhouse said: "I appreciate you coming today, and I am so sorry that you had to come. I am very sorry for your loss."

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Murphy is appealing to anyone with information or footage from CCTV or dashcams to come forward.

"My thoughts are with Mohamed's family at this very difficult time. It's hard to fathom the impact this has had on them, his friends and the wider community who are coming to terms with what has happened," he said. 

"Our investigation into this incident continues at pace and our officers remain at the scene as they conduct their enquiries." 

Anyone with information relating to the case can call 101 quoting incident number 585 of 17 September or contact Crimestoppers anonymously via their website Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.