Egypt calls for swift justice over death of student following bus stop attack
Student 'well-loved and regarded' by all who knew her, embassy says
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Egypt has called for swift justice after an 18-year-old student died after she was attacked at a bus stop in Nottingham
Mariam Moustafa was left in a coma after the assault on 20 February. She was pronounced dead almost a month later.
Police have said they are keeping an “open mind” about whether the attack on the Egyptian national was racially motivated.
The teenager was punched repeatedly during a confrontation with a group of women. She died earlier this week in Nottingham City Hospital. A Home Office post-mortem examination is due to take place.
The Egyptian embassy in London said the Moustafa was ”well-loved and regarded” by all who knew her.
“The Consul General of Egypt and the medical counsellor, as well as a representative from the embassy, were immediately dispatched to offer support and assistance to the family at this devastating time," it said in a statement. "They were briefed by the family’s lawyer on the latest medical and legal developments.
“The government of Egypt and the embassy have been closely following the circumstances of this vicious attack with the relevant British authorities and expressed the need for those responsible to be brought to justice swiftly.”
It added: “The deep concern of the Egyptian public is evident and the embassy remains focused in its efforts to support and assist Mariam’s grieving family whose life has been shattered by their traumatic loss.
Yultan Mellor, a vice principal at Nottingham College, where Moustafa was a student, said she was “well-liked and able” and had “strong aspirations”.
“Mariam was an aspiring engineering student who was well loved and regarded by her friends, peers and all those who knew her.”
Police said a 17-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and was bailed pending further investigation following the incident.