“HE’S ONLY 15 — AND HIS FAMILY IS PRAYING FOR HIM TO SURVIVE” — FOOTBALL CLUB RALLIES AROUND TEENAGER AND FATHER AFTER MASKED MEN ATT@CK THEIR HOME
“HE’S ONLY 15 — AND HIS FAMILY IS PRAYING FOR HIM TO SURVIVE” — FOOTBALL CLUB RALLIES AROUND TEENAGER AND FATHER AFTER MASKED MEN ATTACK THEIR HOME
Imrane Chelirem and his father, Mohamed, were left in a life-threatening condition after two masked men entered their family home in Thurnby, Leicestershire. As the family faces an agonising wait, the teenager’s football club has shared an emotional tribute and called for support.
A family home should be a place of safety. But in the early hours of Thursday, October 8, 2026, a violent incident left a 15-year-old boy and his father fighting for their lives.
Imrane Chelirem and his father, Mohamed, were seriously injured after two masked men reportedly entered their home on Station Road in Thurnby, near Leicester.
Police were called shortly before 12:30 a.m. following reports of a disturbance. Officers arrived to find members of the family injured and launched an investigation into what detectives described as an apparently unprovoked attack.
The family’s ordeal has shocked the local community, with neighbours and residents left searching for answers about how such violence could unfold inside a family home.
A mother was also injured as the family faced the ordeal
During the incident, Imrane’s mother, who is in her 40s, sustained injuries to her hand and shoulder. She was treated in hospital and later discharged.
Three other children were reportedly inside the property but were not physically injured.
Imrane and his father, who is in his 50s, suffered life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital. Reports published in the days following the incident said both remained in a critical condition.
The family has faced an agonising period of uncertainty as they await further news about their recovery.
Football club shares heartfelt tribute to Imrane
Away from the hospital, Imrane’s football community has rallied around him and his loved ones.
Coalville Town Raptors, where the teenager plays youth football, shared a message expressing the team’s heartbreak over the circumstances affecting their player and his family.
The club described Imrane as much more than a player wearing the number 15 shirt. He is a teammate, a friend and an important part of the club’s football family.
The tribute reflected the close bonds built through youth sport and the support that can surround a young person when life takes an unimaginable turn.
The club has also launched a fundraising appeal to help support the Chelirem family during this difficult period.
Police continue to investigate
Leicestershire Police said the attack appeared to have been “completely unprovoked”. Detectives have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including why the family was targeted.
Officers carried out enquiries in the area and appealed for witnesses and anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.
The motive has not been publicly established, and no explanation should be treated as fact until confirmed by investigators.
For residents of Thurnby, the incident has raised painful questions about safety and the wellbeing of a family whose lives have been changed in a matter of moments.
A community hoping for better news
For those who know Imrane, he is not simply the teenager at the centre of a disturbing news story. He is a young footballer with teammates, friends and a future that his community hopes he will have the chance to continue building.
His father is also facing a long and uncertain recovery, while the family must cope with the emotional impact of the attack.
The messages of support from the football club and wider community show that the family is not facing this ordeal alone.
As the investigation continues, loved ones and supporters are hoping for positive news about Imrane and Mohamed.
Two lives have been left in danger, and a family is waiting for answers. The community’s message is clear: Imrane and his father are not facing this fight alone.
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