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Crime Desk
Murder squad detectives are appealing for help and information to trace a masked knifeman who stabbed his victim before stealing his car.
Police were called at 01:10hrs on Tuesday, 13 September, to reports of a man injured. When they arrived, they found 32-year-old Harjinder Singh Bhurji (28/12/78) suffering from a chest wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene in Stoneleigh Road, Ilford, at 01:42hrs.
A post mortem examination is due to be held at 11.00hrs on Wednesday 14 September at East Ham mortuary.
The victim's friend, who was with him at the time, was found at the scene uninjured but suffering from shock.
It is believed that the two had been sitting talking in Mr Bhurji's car when the suspect suddenly 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 (see images released).
Mr Bhurji 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.
The car was found at 02:45hrs abandoned in Forest Glade, Chingford, E4.
An incident room has been opened at Barking on 020 8345 1570.
Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who saw the car, possibly driving at high speed, anywhere between Stoneleigh Road and Forest Glade, a journey of approximately three miles. It is possible the suspect travelled down the A406 North Circular Road or through main back roads.
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."
The suspect is described as black, about 6ft 2in tall, of slim build and wearing a grey "beanie" hat, grey hoodie and dark-coloured bandana. He spoke with a London accent.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Incident Room on 020 8345 1570 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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