ILFORD: Police appeal for witnesses to fatal stabbing

Officers will hand out leaflets in Uphall Road Ilford this evening, close to where Sukhwinder Singh was fatally knifed last Friday (January 8).

The 31-year-old chased two men who had seen mugging a woman in Loxford Road, before being stabbed through the heart at the junction of Victoria Road and Uphall Road at around 6.40pm.

Mr Singh, of Harts Lane, Barking, was taken to the Royal London Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

A police spokesman said: "(Officers) will be at the scene between 6.00pm and 8.00pm, in Victoria Road and Uphall Road from where the suspects were seen to run away, handing out appeal leaflets and speaking to members of the public.

"Bluetooth technology will also be used to send messages to mobile phones near the scene with the incident room number and an appeal for witnesses/information message."

Three men were arrested in connection with the incident on Wednesday - they remain in custody at an east London police station.

An inquest into Mr Singh's death opened and adjourned at Walthamstow Coroner's Court on Tuesday January 12.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Clayman, who is leading the investigation, said: "Though some arrests have been made, we stress that the investigation continues and we still need help from the public - all our points of appeal are still relevant.

"We need to hear from anybody who witnessed the initial robbery, the actual stabbing and anyone who may have seen suspects running away from the Uphall Road area, or perhaps discarding property in the vicinity.

"Once again I encourage members of the public to come forward and speak to police - no matter how insignificant they may feel their information is. If they have fears regarding speaking to police, I assure them that we can allay those fears."

Anyone who can assist should call the incident room on: 8345 3775 or to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.