Tributes to 'gentle giant', 19, who was stabbed to death after travelling from New York to fulfil his dream of helping children with special needs - as suspect, 24, appears in court charged with his murder

Tributes have been paid to a 'gentle giant' who was stabbed to death after travelling from the United States to Britain so he could fulfil his dream of helping children with special needs.

Sachin Hawkins, 19, died on November 15 after being stabbed in Hardy Street, Hull, having been studying at the city's university. 

The teenager was originally from the city of Freeport in the state of New York and had dreams of helping children with special educational needs. 

The University of Hull has said it is 'shocked and saddened' by the tragic death describing Mr Hawkins as as popular and kind.

In a statement, the University said: 'We are shocked and saddened by the death of one of our students and we offer our deepest condolences to Sachin's family and friends.

'We are an incredibly close-knit university community and we are supporting those who were close to Sachin, as well as our staff and students at this incredibly difficult time.

'We continue to work with Humberside Police to support their ongoing investigation.'

Freeport Superintendent of Schools, Dr Kishore Kuncham, also paid tribute to Sachin, who was a graduate of Freeport High School. 

He said: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Sachin Hawkins, a truly wonderful human being, a gentle giant in every sense, not just in stature but in his kind and compassionate nature.

'He was studying abroad pursuing his beautiful dream of becoming a special education teacher, a testament to his caring spirit and desire to serve.

'Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this sad and incredibly difficult time. As a school community, we will come together to support his family and friends and offer counseling services to those who may need them during this time.'

Paying tribute to Sachin, his mother said: 'He was a young man who wanted to be an aspiring special education teacher.

'He loved his family and friends, they meant the world to him. He wanted to make everyone proud and was a role model for the younger generation. Sachin was loved by everyone.'

Syed Hussain-Kazi, 24, of Hardy Street, has been charged with murder in connection with Sachin's death and is appearing at Hull Crown Court today (November 20).