Boxer’s Murder: Cops Release CCTV Pics Of 3 Men They Want
By Eric King
The UK Metropolitan Police have this evening released pictures of three men they urgently wish to trace in connection with the murder of ex-boxer, Mahad Ali. Metropolitan police told theeyeofmedia.com that they are not at this stage saying the men are suspects, but rather, ”persons of interest” they would like to speak as they attempt to piece the jigsaw together of what happened to the amateur boxer that fateful night.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan police told theeyeofmedia.com ” we only identify people we want to speak with as suspects when we have good reason to believe so. For instance, if we have CCTV footage showing a man running from a crime scene, we can definitely say they are a suspect. At the moment, these three men are persons of interest whom we want to speak with about what they may know in relation to our investigation”.
Ali was stabbed to death on June 29 at a post-Eid party held at Coronation Street, Royal Oak. His attackers have never been caught.
A 20-year-old man due to stand trial at the Old Bailey in April for Mahad’s murder was halted earlier this month.
Mahad Adi from Police media release
The 18-year-old who lived in Islington was part of Islington Boxing Club, and a motive for his murder has never been established by police. Knife and gun crime has long been the scourge of the streets of London, with teenagers quick to go for the kill in many incidences where differences are converted to a heated dispute with malicious intentions.
TRACE
Det Ch Insp Luke Marks, who is leading the investigation, said: “I want to trace everyone who was at the West Wednesday party on June 29. Although we have spoken to a number of people already, I believe there are a significant number that have not yet come forward. I wish to identify and speak with these individuals.
“We have today released images of people I would like to trace. They may have vital information regarding this investigation.
“We know there were pockets of violence that occurred in and around the venue that night, separate incidents to the one in which Mahad was stabbed. Were you involved? Were you injured? Did you record footage or take photos that night? I am particularly keen to speak with anyone who was involved in these, who knows anything about the altercations, or has video footage or photos of the disturbances”, he said.
“Mahad suffered significant injuries and there is a strong possibility that the person or people involved in the attack may have got blood stains on their clothing or had visible injuries themselves. I am appealing for anyone with information about a person who returned home from the party with bloodstained clothing or an injury to share that information with me.”
Mahad’s parents, Naima Farah and Ali Omar, said in a statement: “A senseless murder claimed the life of our 18-year old son. Mahad is missed terribly by family and friends. His sudden and violent death has left a huge void in our family structure. Our shock and sorrow will remain with us forever”.
“Our son was an easygoing young man who showed respect to everyone with whom he came in contact. Mahad loved boxing and belonged to Islington Boxing Club for the last decade. Until his violent death, Mahad was attending Westminster Kingsway College.
“We appeal to anyone who saw the murder or knows anything about it to come forward and help the police in their effort to arrest the murderers.”
Two men, aged 41 and 21, were arrested last summer on suspicion of murder. A 26-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. All three men were eventually released, as the investigation continued with no definite answers.
Reward and stills issued in Mahad Ali murder investigation