Khaleed Oladipo was a cybersecurity student at De Montfort University. | Leicestershire Police/PA
Tragedy struck the De Montfort University community on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when Khaleed Oladipo, a second-year cyber security student from London, was fatally stabbed in broad daylight in Oxford Street, Leicester city centre.
Oladipo was discovered seriously wounded after the altercation and taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary, where he later died from a stab wound to the chest, police said following a post-mortem examination.
Leicestershire Police have charged Harper Dennis, an 18-year-old man from West Drayton, London, with murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place in connection with Oladipo’s death. Dennis is due to appear before Leicester Magistrates’ Court.
He also faces unrelated charges for possession of offensive weapons in private locations, prosecutors said. Police are continuing their inquiries, including reviewing CCTV and appealing for witnesses to come forward.
In a statement released through police, Oladipo’s family described him as an “extremely loved son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and friend” whose loss has left them devastated. They paid tribute to the members of the public who rushed to help at the scene and to the emergency and hospital staff who tried to save his life.
The family noted that one of his greatest passions was football, with Oladipo reportedly on his way home to watch Arsenal play when the attack occurred — a club he had supported since childhood.
De Montfort University Vice-Chancellor Professor Katie Normington called Oladipo’s death a “devastating tragedy” and said the university is offering support to students and staff affected by the incident. The university emphasised its commitment to student safety as the investigation continues.
Local residents and fellow students expressed shock and grief, with several noting the disruption and increased police presence around the city centre near the campus during the investigation.
