Murder investigation after man found with knife wounds in Hounslow

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Hounslow town centre.

The police were called just after midnight on Saturday, 25 June, to a seriously injured man on Staines Road, close to the Moon Under Water Wetherspoons pub.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service found a 31-year-old man suffering stab injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s family have been informed and are said to be being supported by specialist officers. Formal identification and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.

An online fundraiser has been set up for the man's family by his employer, who've described him as "popular, kind, gentle and genuine."

_"An urgent investigation is underway"_

Detective Chief Inspector James Shirley, Specialist Crime, said: “An urgent investigation is under way to establish what happened ... and to identify who was responsible for this terrible attack.

'Painstaking'

“Our investigation will be extensive and painstaking, including a full forensic examination of the area, which is ongoing, and detailed enquiries to obtain all available CCTV.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area and has yet to speak with police to get in touch. Even if you do not believe you saw anything of particular significance, please make contact with detectives.

“I also want to hear from anyone who took photos or captured footage on their phone or other device, and from any drivers with dashcam footage from the local area at the time of the murder.”

'Tragic'

Chief Inspector Karl Spour of the Met’s West Area Basic Command Unit said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life in this tragic incident. I know they will be given a great deal of support by Met officers as they try to come to terms with what has happened.

_"Our commitment to arresting and charging those who commit violent crime is total"_

“Local people will see more officers in and around Staines Road and Hounslow town centre in the coming days. Our commitment to arresting and charging those who commit violent crime and further reducing the number of people killed or injured on our streets is total.

“I urge anyone with information about people who carry knives or other weapons to share what they know with police or charities such as Crimestoppers. In partnership with these organisations, we are always striving to build a picture of violent offenders and ultimately to keep people safe. Please help us in this vital work.”

On Twitter, people have been sharing their sadness at the death. "There’s too many kids here with knives thinking they’re hard and badmans," wrote one man. The local council meanwhile declared "Violent crime has no place in our borough."

'Shocked'

The Leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, said:

"I am shocked and saddened to hear about the terrible crime that took place last night in Hounslow. We are working closely with the police to identify who is responsible and I urge anyone who was in the area (who has yet to speak to the police) to come forward.

"As the new leader of Hounslow Council, I am committed to making Hounslow a safer place for all residents. I would like to reassure local residents that more police officers will be in and around Hounslow town centre in the coming days.

"Our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends during this difficult time."

The police are asking anyone with information or any witnesses yet to speak to them to call 101, quoting the reference 189/25jun.

Or to give information anonymously you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.