Kuwaiti in court over London murder of Omani student

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - A 23-year-old Kuwaiti appeared in court on Friday accused of murdering an Omani student in London during an attempt to steal a watch worth up to £125,000 (Dh600,000).

Badir Rahim Alnazi was charged with the murder of Mohammed Al Araimi, 20, who was fatally stabbed near luxury store Harrods in Knightsbridge, west London, on December 5.

He was also charged with attempted robbery and possession of blade in relation to the incident on December 5.

Mr Alnazi, of Brent, northwest London, was charged two days after detectives released security camera footage of two men they wanted to interview in connection with the killing.

The “extremely violent” robbery targeted Mr Al Araimi’s watch that was worth between £45,000 and £125,000, the court heard.

Mr Alnazi did not enter a plea at a hearing at a central London court on Friday and is being remanded in custody. He will appear at the Old Bailey court in central London on Tuesday.

He spoke only to give his name, date of birth, address and nationality. There was no application for bail.

Mr Al Araimi, the son of a prominent businessman, was studying politics and economics at King’s College London and lived in the city.

He collapsed and died next to a Christmas tree outside Harrods after the attack just before midnight on December 5. His friend, who was also stabbed in the attack, was treated in hospital but has been discharged.

The dead student’s family said last month that their hearts were “eternally broken” by the murder.

His brother, Raid Al Araimi, said: “He only went out for a meal with a friend and never came home.”