The inquest into the death of 17-year-old Sutton student Ilyas Habibi opened at South London Coroners Court today (Thursday).

Police and London Ambulance Service were called to Sutton High Street just after 7pm on Tuesday December 5, after reports that a teenager had been stabbed.

On arrival, Ilyas was found suffering from knife injuries, and he was provided with first aid.

He was pronounced dead at the scene at 7.53pm.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the neck.

Police know that Ilyas arrived at Sutton High Street by train.

Minutes after he came out of the station, he was involved in an argument with a single suspect who then fled the scene.

Following enquiries, the suspect was identified.

On December 11, officers found he had left the country from London Gatwick Airport on December 9.

Ilya's family were informed of this, and they are being supported by specially trained officers.

Police continue to work with international partners to find and arrest the suspect.

A 19-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was later released on bail.

Ilyas’ older brother, Mr Habibi, has since paid tribute to his “hardworking” brother who was “kind, caring and generous” with his whole life ahead of him.

Mr Habibi explained: “Ilyas was my younger, he was delightful to be around. He was caring, loving to my parents and his siblings and friends.

“Ilyas was a lover of football, playing football and he would always shout at the television when he watched Arsenal play.

“The house was never quiet when Arsenal were playing because he was just screaming all the time.

“He never done anything to anyone, was a really nice boy who was loved by everyone.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room direct on 0208 721 4622.