Brentford stabbing: 'Hero' who died saving retired barmaid, 82, from stabbing is pictured as family pay tribute

A 'HERO' victim who died saving a great-gran from a fatal stabbing has been named as Ali Abucar Ali.

Ali, in his 20s, jumped in to protect 82-year-old Betty Walsh after she was punched to the ground and knifed as she popped out to get a kebab for dinner.

He was later found dead by police and paramedics in Brentford, west London, while retired barmaid Betty was raced to hospital.

Tributes have poured in for Ali, and his family has set up a fundraising page in his honour.

It reads: "On November 12 we lost a son, a brother and a friend.

"We lost a dear brother, the most caring, humble, funniest young man.

"Don't have a single memory of him without seeing his amazing smile."

Betty remains in a serious but non life-threatening condition after undergoing a kidney operation.

As soon as she came to, the footy-mad pensioner asked about the England score after the Three Lions beat Albania 5-0, her family revealed today.

Her eldest daughter Bridget, 60, said: "After her operation she was able to talk to us on the phone and was asking about the football score this morning.

"Last night I got back from work and was told 'mum's been stabbed.' I was so scared and in complete shock. I am just glad she is alive.

"We just want to thank the police and all the neighbours who helped our mum. They were there instantly and kept us informed. They are heroes.

"We are praying our mum makes a full and speedy recovery."

The Brentford FC fan, who has lived in the area for 60 years, has six children, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and a great great granddaughter,

Bridget said her "lively and fit" mum didn't realise she had been attacked until Ali heroically stepped in to help her.

She added: "Ali went up and asked what all the commotion was about, challenged her attacker and tried to help her. What happened to him next was a tragedy.

"I knew him and his mother. They are a very good family.

"His mother had rushed to comfort me as soon as she heard about what happened to mum, before the police phoned her and told her the devastating news that her son had so sadly been stabbed.

"Ali was a really hardworking, good lad who had recently won a scholarship. We think it was to play basketball."

'HUMBLE HERO'

Police are continuing to quiz a man, aged in his 30s, on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

The Met are now working to establish if either of the victims were known to the suspect.

They confirmed the attack is not terror-related.

A witness said: "I was going to get a kebab but when I went out, I saw the police arrive.

"The boy was on the floor covered in blood and they were trying to give CPR, but he could not be saved.’’

While another added: "He was a hero. What he did was so honourable and it is such a shame he died.’’

Officers originally launched a manhunt for the attacker after he fled the scene last night.

Locals were urged to by their neighbours to "please be careful" while the knifeman was on the loose.

One witness said there are at least 10 police cars and vans parked up at the pub and close to a branch of McDonald's.

MURDER PROBE

Images and videos posted on social media showed dozens of police officers working within a closed-off stretch of road.

The door of the Horseguardsman pub was taped off, while the Black Dog Beer House was also asked to close.

DCI Brain Howie, Specialist Crime, said: “A number of cordons remain in place in and around Albany Parade, Albany Road and the surrounding area.

"Any local people who have information or concerns should speak with officers working at these location.

“I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or had any interaction with the suspect near the scene but has yet to speak with police.

"Also, anyone who may have footage, whether from doorbells, dashcams or mobile devices, is also urged to check that material and make contact with police should there by anything relevant to our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 6423/12nov.

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