Friends of a man who was murdered after being stabbed to death in Stevenage have launched an appeal to help raise money for his funeral costs.

Earlier this week Herts Police named a 20-year-old from Eritrea who died after being stabbed multiple times in the town.

Bereket Selomun, aged 20, was found shortly before 730am on Thursday, July 7, in woodland off Brittain Way, near to Fairlands Valley Park. 

He had suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bereket had come to England from Eritrea as a teenager and was granted asylum in the UK. He was a permanent resident of Stevenage.

He was a production line team leader at Europe Snacks on Bessemer Drive in Stevenage.

A friend and colleague of Bereket, Agnieszka Peda, has set up a fundraising page here to help pay for burial costs.

Agnieszka, known as Aggie, who works in the laboratory at Europe Snacks, formerly known as Kolak Snackfood Ltd, told Nub News: "I am a friend of Bereket who was tragically killed in woodlands in Stevenage.

"He joined our workplace over a year ago and was an extremely dedicated worker and a great colleague. Bereket's family still lives in his war torn home country. Recently his brother came to the UK and all the funds collected here will be transferred to him. 

"Me and my friends wish to help his family take him back home.

Bereket's next of kin in this country have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

He also leaves behind family in Eritrea who are aware of his death. 

Bereket, who lived in Stevenage, had come to England from the war-torn country as a teenager to seek refuge, and was granted asylum, before his life was brutally taken away from him..

Aggie added: "This death has greatly touched the whole of our Stevenage community, so we would like to help the family with the costs of the funeral and possible transport of the body.

"It has not been decided yet whether Bereket's farewell will be here or he will be taken to his country. However, any support given to the family will be much appreciated."

Update: Detectives have now arrested six men in connection with Selomun's murder.

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of murder and another man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All six, aged in their 20s, remain in police custody at this time.

Detective Inspector Iain MacPherson, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) Major Crime Unit, said: "Despite these arrests, we are continuing our extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bereket's death.

"Any witnesses or anyone who has information about what happened, who has not already spoken to officers, is urged to get in contact with us. 

"I'd like to thank those that have come forward so far."

If you have any information please call their non-emergency number 101, quoting reference Operation Madrigal.

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