The former headteacher of 17-year-old Fico Dougan, who was stabbed to death in Broad Green yesterday, this morning led tributes to a popular boy with "a big heart" and "a big grin on his face".

Richard Parrish, Fico's head at Archbishop Tenision's Church of England High School until last year, said his death had been "a devastating piece of news" for pupils and staff. 

The teenager, who had just started at John Ruskin College, died after being stabbed four times at a house in Ockley Road just before 2pm yesterday, prompting a murder investigation.

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy soon after the attack. He remains in custody. 

Mr Parrish said: "We are very, very sad about what has happened. I have spoken to staff and year groups this morning and we had special assemblies because it is a devastating piece of news for us. 

"He left just over a year and didn't continue to the sixth form, but obviously many of his contemporaries are still in the sixth form so it has hit the community very hard. 

"I think part of the reason for that is the kind of boy he was here. He was very popular, very well liked and very well-known. Everyone knew him. He had that sort of personality.

"He had a good heart. We knew that. He had a big grin on his face, which people liked. We won't easily forget that.

"I spoke to him many times - we all did. You would see him in the corridor and you would talk to him. He was a very engaging, likeable boy. Very sociable."

"He was a good football player. He played in the Croydon schools cup final."

Mr Parrish added: "We are in contact with the family and have spoken to them about what has happened. It is a terrible situation."

Devastated friends also expressed grief and paid tribute to Fico on Twitter. 

A group of up to 70 young people have met this lunchtime to remember Fico. They have passed flowers to police officers who have laid them close to the spot where he was fatally stabbed.

@joshuakaddu8m wrote: "RIP Fico, sometimes the good die young my brother, your in a better place now, I promise."

Another, @Ohemameesh_3m, said: "I never thought i could cry this much. 11 years of friendship and i will cherish every memory we have. I love you forever".

BlackIndiaLiya6m wrote: "I refuse to believe it. Literally everyone from Croydon was with Fico on Saturday night! Less than a week ago. R.I.P Feecz"

@Stormzy15m said: "Known that lil don from when he was a little boy. That's 2 people I know personally murdered in 1 week. This is way too crazy."

Fico had started a level three B-Tech business management national diploma course at John Ruskin College just a week ago.

Sally Obertell, director of marketing, communications and relationships at the college, said: "We are all very shocked at this tragic news and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."

She said the college would be providing support to students who needed it, and the college was planning a suitable tribute.

 

 

 

 

 

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