Neighbours react after man dies from stabbing in Norwich

It comes as police have charged a man with murder after he was alleged to have fatally wounded his neighbour who went to console him over the death of his brother.

The bloodshed at the flat in Mousehold Street in Norwich took place on Friday (November 1) and involved two men who lived directly next door to each other.

Speaking just a day after his death, neighbours said the man in custody was grieving his late brother - who is believed to have died on the same day as the murder.

The victim is understood to have been a man named Abdul, who was an offshore worker of Moroccan descent.

Police were called at around 10.15pm on Friday (November 1) to a property in Mousehold Street (Image: Bruno Brown) He is said to have been working offshore the morning he died, having returned home to Norwich after flying back from Aberdeen.

That afternoon he visited his neighbour's house and they shared a drink. Other well wishers had also been there earlier that day to offer their condolences too.

Police and forensics at the scene where the man in his 40s was murdered (Image: Bruno Brown) Another man, aged 37, was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to Wymondham police station. He was subsequently released on police bail until January next year, pending further enquiries.

He claims he had been "wrongfully arrested" and had only just arrived at the property, to give the occupant some money, when officers arrived.

It is the third murder in the city in as many months.

Two men and a woman will stand trial next year accused of the murder of a 19-year-old stabbed to death in Mile Cross in September, while officers are still hunting the suspect of the Paragon Place murder that happened in broad daylight on August 2.

Grant Hughs pictured across the road from the crime scene in Mousehold Street (Image: Bruno Brown) Grant Hughes was a close friend of Abdul and had spoken to him only the day before his death to arrange a catch-up for when he returned from Aberdeen.

He said he has been left "distraught, angry and heartbroken" by the shocking death.

Mr Hughes added: "He was the sweetest and kindest bloke you would ever meet. A caring friend who wouldn’t hurt a fly, he was so calm, peaceful and relaxed.

"He did not deserve this. He had just got home from offshore, he’s a bloody hard worker. I spoke to him Thursday evening and he said he was getting back from Aberdeen to Norwich and we arranged to meet up on Monday.

"I’m devastated, distraught, angry and heartbroken. He was such a caring friend and always looked out for me.

"He always put other people before himself and I am so angry this has happened. I feel totally numb. I’m not going to ever see my mate again.

"It makes my blood boil. I look forward to when he gets home so we can have a chat and a catch-up, and thinking I will never see him again doesn't feel real."

Elvis Vickers, aged 46 and of Mousehold Street, Norwich, has subsequently been charged with the man’s murder.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates' Court today (Monday, November 4). 

The Mousehold Street address will remain cordoned off for the next few days. 

An initial Home Office post-mortem was conducted on Saturday (November 2), with the preliminary findings showing the man’s death was consistent with a stab wound to the chest. 

A "CHANGED" NEIGHBOURHOOD

Tim Bedder is pictured near the crime scene in Mousehold Street (Image: Bruno Brown) Tim Bedder, 67, has lived in the Mousehold area for nearly 30 years. 

He described how there has been "a change" in the neighbourhood in recent years and this would never have happened when he was growing up.

"It’s just a shock and is scary what happens these days, you just can't quite believe it," he said.

"I don’t know my neighbours well but we all nod at each other and recognise each other.

"But the sense of community isn’t what it was, not like when I was young. Back then if your parents were out, the neighbours looked out for you. It’s how it was. We all looked out for each other.

"It is upsetting that a man has lost his life like this in such a horrible way."

Police pictured guarding the back of the flats where the murder took place (Image: Bruno Brown)

• Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Norfolk police quoting reference number NC-01112024-504.

Police guarding the entrance to the crime scene (Image: Bruno Brown)