14 September 2011

Four Arrested Over London 'Car-Jack' Killing

Detectives investigating a car-jacking incident in London that led to the death of a 32-year-old man have arrested four males.

The victim, Harjinder Singh Bhurji, of Highbury Gardens, Stoneleigh Road, Ilford, died from a chest wound after being stabbed in his car.

The victim's female friend, who was with him at the time, was found at the scene uninjured but suffering from shock.

According to the London Metropolitan Police Service, the two had been sitting talking in Mr Bhurji's car when a suspect appeared, opened the passenger door and dragged the female occupant from the car. The suspect then went to the driver's door and demanded the keys to the black Mercedes, CLK coupe, registration number R4 JXW.

Mr Bhurji, a car mechanic and garage owner, who lived in Ilford, tried to hide them under his seat but the suspect threatened to harm his friend if he did not hand them over. However, before he had time to retrieve them, he was stabbed. Despite his injuries, the victim managed to retrieve the keys and hand them to the suspect who then drove off.

Mr Bhurji was pronounced dead at the scene in Stoneleigh Road, Ilford, at 1.42am.

Three young men were arrested in connection with the incident on Wednesday, aged 20, 19 and 17.

They have all been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody at east London police stations.

A forth man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods in relation to a separate matter and remains in custody at an east London police station.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Rickells is leading the investigation. He said: "The suspect appears to have been purely motivated by stealing the car because at this early stage we can find no other obvious motive.

"As far as we can tell, the victim did not know the suspect or why he might want his car. The Mercedes had a distinctive number plate and I would appeal to anyone who was out driving in the early hours to cast their minds back and let us know if they saw it."

A post mortem examination is due to be held at 11.00am on Wednesday at East Ham mortuary.

(DW/GK)