Another quality newspaper headline, courtesy of the London Minicab trade.
Mini-cab driver hunted over murder
By Peter Law
Wanted: Mohammed Habib
Detectives are hunting an Afghani mini-cab driver in connection with the murder of a wealthy west London businessman in broad daylight last week.
Father-of-three Ahmed Shah was stabbed to death in a frenzied attack at lunchtime on Tuesday, June 5, in busy West End Road, Southall.
The 56-year-old was blinded with red chilli powder and then repeatedly stabbed in the chest with a large knife, in what was believed to be a targeted attack.
Police has taken the rare step of naming Mohammed Habib as their prime suspect and releasing his photograph in the hope of tracking him.
The 40-year-old's last known address was in Southall, but it's believed he could be travelling around the country staying in bed and breakfast style accommodation.
Habib, who may have recently received medical treatment for injuries, could be as far north as Scotland, where he has known links.
The part-time mini-cab driver claims to be of Afghanistan origin, but police believe he could be Pakistani.
He has known links to Mr Shah and police confirmed the two men had met in the past.
DCI Peter Lansdown, who is in charge of the murder investigation, told the Ealing Times that Habib was known to frequent mosques in West London.
"Habib travels extensively in the UK and does odd jobs all over the country as a mini-cab driver," he said.
"He had connections in west London and we've been told he often visited mosques in the area.
"We are appealing for anyone who has information about the men's connections to come forward."
Mr Shah, who owned and rented a residential property in the area, ran an import and export business.
Police confirmed they were investigating Mr Shah's business connections as a line of enquiry.
It's believed his killer, who was wearing a blue boiler suit and camouflage design balaclava, had lain in wait for the entrepreneur before the attack.
Mr Shah was left dying on the road as the attacker fled down a side alley and south along Townsend Road.
A woman, believed to be Mr Shah's wife, was seen screaming for help in the street moments after the knifing.
He was rushed to Ealing Hospital but died an hour later.
A post mortem took place at Uxbridge Mortuary last Thursday, it gave cause of death as multiple stab wounds. Traces of a chilli powder-type substance was also found on his face.
Habib was described as 5ft 4in to 5ft 6in tall, of slim athletic build, with brown eyes, black hair and a prominent beard.
It's possible he may have shaved his beard in recent days or weeks to change his appearance.
Habib was described as "dangerous" and the public was advised not to approach him and telephone 999.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts should telephone the incident room on 020 8358 0200 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
1:10pm Wednesday 13th June 2007
