Police name man hunted over businessman's knife murder

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Police took the rare step of naming Afghan asylum seeker Mohammed Habib as wanted in connection with the "savage and ferocious" knife murder of a wealthy businessman.

Ahmed Shah, 56, an entrepreneur and property owner, was stabbed to death in a busy Southall street yards from his home last week.

Habib was said by police to have been a former tenant of Mr Shah.

The killer - dressed in a camouflage balaclava and blue boiler suit - had lain in wait for the businessman before throwing chilli powder in his eyes and stabbing him repeatedly.

Two knives were found abandoned at the scene.

Police described Habib as dangerous and warned the public not to approach him but to dial 999 if they saw him.

Detectives believe the 40-year-old may be travelling around the country staying in bed and breakfast-accommodation. He has links to Scotland and is known to work as a minicab driver.

The killer is believed to have been injured in the attack in West End Road last Tuesday and may have sought medical treatment.

Police described Habib as between 5ft 4in and 5ft 6in, with brown eyes, black hair and a prominent beard, although he may have changed his appearance in recent days or weeks.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Townsend said: "We have found a number of links between the victim and the suspect but we are still trying to establish the exact motive.

"This was a savage and ferocious attack which was committed for no apparent reason. The attacks also seemed to be planned... Anyone who upsets the man could be at risk."

Detectives believe the assailant threw the chilli in his victim's eyes to disable or distract him.

Anyone with any information should ring police on 020 8358 0200 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.