When Mohanad Abdullaahi Goobe, a 15‑year‑old student, was found with multiple stab wounds on Moss Lane East in Moss Side, Manchester, the community was jolted by another tragic episode of knife crime.
The incident occurred just after 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, and Mohanad later died in hospital. Within days, Greater Manchester Police announced two arrests – both 15‑year‑old boys – linking them to the fatal stabbing and a prior altercation at Whitworth Park. The case underscores a worrying spike in youth‑involved violence across the city.
Background: A Community on Edge
Moss Side has long grappled with pockets of deprivation, but recent years have seen a surge in knife‑related incidents, prompting intensified policing and community outreach. Local schools report heightened anxiety among pupils, and parents have called for clearer prevention strategies. The latest tragedy hits a neighborhood already wrestling with the fear that young lives are being cut short by street violence.
Timeline of Events
- 12:30 p.m., September 15 – Officers respond to a disturbance at Whitworth Park; a fight involving several teenagers is reported.
- 4:30 p.m., September 15 – Mohanad is discovered injured on Moss Lane East; emergency services transport him to Manchester Royal Infirmary.
- Evening of September 15 – Police confirm the injuries are caused by a knife and launch a murder investigation.
- September 16 – A 15‑year‑old male, unnamed for legal reasons, is arrested on suspicion of murder and held for questioning.
- September 19 – A second 15‑year‑old is formally charged with murder; both remain in custody.
Police Investigation
Detectives from Greater Manchester Police say the two incidents – the Whitworth Park altercation and the Moss Lane East stabbing – appear linked. “Our teams are reviewing CCTV, forensic evidence, and witness statements from both locations,” said Detective Sergeant Liam O’Connor during a brief press briefing on September 20. While the identities of the suspects are being protected due to their age, officials emphasize that the arrests demonstrate a swift response to violent crime involving minors.
Forensic analysis revealed a single blade with a distinctive serial number, which has been cross‑checked against local reports of stolen knives. The police also noted that the victims and suspects moved within the same social circles, a factor that complicates the investigation but also offers potential leads.
Family’s Tribute and Call for Change
In a heartfelt statement released on September 21, the Goobe family described Mohanad as the “baby of the family,” a quick‑witted teenager who could make anyone laugh. “He had a ready smile and a gift for brightening a room,” the statement read. The family warned that his death should not become “just another knife‑crime statistic.”
They have urged local authorities to invest in youth mentorship programs and to provide more safe spaces where teenagers can resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. "Mohanad would want us to keep fighting for a future where our young people aren’t forced to grow up too fast," a family spokesperson added.
Broader Context: Knife Crime Across Manchester
Statistics from the Home Office show that in the fiscal year 2024‑2025, knife incidents in Greater Manchester rose 12 % compared with the previous year. While the majority involve adults, the proportion of teenagers involved has climbed from 18 % to 25 % of total offenses—a trend that community leaders find alarming.
Local charities, such as the Manchester Youth Violence Reduction Project, have called for increased funding for after‑school activities and mental‑health support. "We’re seeing a generation that feels powerless," said project coordinator Aisha Malik. "When they don’t have a voice, violence becomes a language they understand."
What’s Next: Ongoing Legal and Community Actions
The two teenage suspects are slated for a preliminary hearing on October 5, 2025. If convicted, they could face custodial sentences, although UK law mandates special considerations for offenders under 18. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police announced plans to deploy additional officers to schools in Moss Side and surrounding districts, aiming to curb the escalation of knife‑related offenses.
Community forums are scheduled throughout September and October, giving residents a platform to voice concerns and propose solutions. The Goobe family has pledged to attend these sessions, hoping to honor Mohanad’s memory by fostering dialogue and change.
Key Facts
- Victim: Mohanad Abdullaahi Goobe, 15
- Date of stabbing: September 15, 2025, ~4:30 p.m.
- Location: Moss Lane East, Moss Side, Manchester
- Arrests: Two 15‑year‑old boys, one charged with murder
- Related incident: Disturbance at Whitworth Park earlier that day
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the police investigation?
Officers responded to a fight at Whitworth Park shortly before the stabbing, and CCTV from both sites showed overlapping individuals. That overlap, combined with forensic evidence linking the same knife to both scenes, prompted detectives to treat the incidents as connected.
How are the suspects being treated under the law?
Both suspects are 15, so they fall under the Youth Justice System. They are being held in a youth detention centre while awaiting a preliminary hearing, and any eventual sentence will consider their age, with a focus on rehabilitation.
What impact does this case have on the local community?
The murder has intensified fears among residents and parents, sparking calls for more youth services and tighter security in public spaces. Local schools reported a rise in absenteeism as students grapple with the trauma of losing a peer.
What steps are authorities taking to prevent future knife attacks?
Greater Manchester Police announced a deployment of additional officers to high‑risk schools, expanded street‑level patrols, and a partnership with youth charities to deliver conflict‑resolution workshops across Manchester.
How does this incident fit into wider trends of knife crime in the UK?
Knife‑related offences have risen nationally, with the Home Office reporting a 9 % increase in the last year. The proportion involving teenagers has grown faster than average, reflecting broader social pressures and gaps in youth support services.