Murdered student hailed as ‘sparkle in the class’

The 18-year-old, who was found stabbed to death at a flat in Shirecliffe, Sheffield, on Tuesday, was excelling in her health and social care studies at Sheffield City College and would have continued to shine at university, principal Julie Byrne said.

“She was an outstanding student and has been described as the ‘sparkle in the class’,” said Ms Byrne.

“Reema was extremely dedicated and achieved distinction grades across the board.

“Reema was very highly thought of by staff and students, and will be sorely missed.

“She was a kind and considerate young woman who always came into class wearing a huge smile.

“She was generous with her time and happy to help her classmates who came to her for guidance with their studies. She thrived on discussions on health and social care topics.

“Reema recently completed a two-week work placement and was determined to go to university where, we all firmly believe, she would have continued to shine.”

Staff and students were devastated at her death, she said, and support and counselling would be offered to those affected “for as long as is needed”.

Ms Byrne added: “We would like to offer our deepest sympathy to Reema’s family and friends.”

Paying tribute to Miss Ramzan yesterday, relatives described her as a “loved daughter and sister” and said they were devastated by her loss.

“We cannot believe that this has happened to someone we love so much,” her family said in a statement.

“We ask that if any person has information about what happened to Reema that they contact South Yorkshire Police.”

The teenager, from Darnall, died from wounds inflicted in a “severe knife attack”, a post-mortem examination has confirmed. A man in his 20s – believed to be Miss Ramzan’s partner – was found with a serious chest injury outside the flat in Herries Road and remains in a critical condition in hospital.

He has been arrested on suspicion of murder but detectives have not yet been able to question him about the incident.

South Yorkshire Police said the case was being investigated as a domestic incident and nobody else was being sought in connection with Miss Ramzan’s death.