Three suspects in Wimbledon attack 'have left the UK'
The vehicle they're believed to have used has been found by detectives
Detectives investigating a stabbing in London, where an Iranian TV journalist was injured, say three suspects believed to be involved have left the UK.
The Met's Counter Terrorism Command have been investigating the stabbing which happened last Friday, March 29, in Wimbledon.
36-year-old Pouria Zeraati has since been discharged from hospital, after the incident outside his home.
A post to his X page states he and his wife are staying in a safe place.
Detectives say they've now identified suspects, and say the victim was approached by two men in a residential street and attacked, before fleeing the scene in a vehicle driving by a third man.
In the latest update from the force, they say the vehicle used to get away from the scene, a blue Mazda 3, was found shortly after the attack in the New Malden area and is now being examined.
Searches are also continuing in the area.
Investigation teams say after abandoning the vehicle the suspects travelled to Heathrow Airport, leaving the UK within a few hours of the stabbing.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command:
“As a result of a very comprehensive investigation, at pace, we have identified three suspects who we believe, left the UK within hours of the attack.
“Detectives trawled CCTV and made extensive enquiries resulting in the identification and recovery of a vehicle used by the suspects to leave the scene.
“We have established that after abandoning the vehicle, the suspects travelled to Heathrow Airport and have left the UK. We are now working with international partners to establish further details.
“I must reiterate that we are still at an early stage of our investigation, we do not know the reason why this victim was attacked and there could be a number of explanations for this. All lines of enquiry are being pursued and we are keeping an open mind on any potential motivation for the attack.
“I appreciate the concern this incident has caused, for local people and all those impacted. Additional patrols are continuing in the Wimbledon area and at other locations in London. If you have any concerns, please do speak with these officers
“I am grateful to everyone who has assisted officers with their enquiries or provided witness accounts to police.”