Police have issued an image of a man wearing white gloves and wielding a knife
An image of a suspect armed with a knife running from the scene where a "much loved" 87-year-old grandad was
stabbed to death in his mobility scooter has been issued in the hunt for his killer.
Thomas O’Halloran, 87, was fatally stabbed in broad daylight next to the busy A40 in Greenford, west London, on Tuesday afternoon.
Now detectives have released images of a man who was seen running from the scene armed with a knife, and are appealing for information.
The suspect was wearing grey shorts, a dark coloured t-shirt, a white baseball cap and white patterned builder-style gloves.
Police were called just after 4pm yesterday to Runnymede Gardens, at the junction with Cayton Road, following reports of a man with stab wounds. Paramedics and an air ambulance were also scrambled to the scene.
Mr O’Halloran, who lived locally, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed and they are being supported by specialist officers.
Police believe he was stabbed in Western Avenue, but managed to travel another 75 yards or so on his mobility scooter to Runnymede Gardens, where he flagged down a passer-by for help.
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Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and have released images of a man they are keen to identify as a matter of urgency. He was seen fleeing the scene armed with a knife.
DCI Jim Eastwood, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are keen to identify the man in the CCTV images as a matter of urgency.
"He is clearly a dangerous individual and people are advised not to approach him, but to call us immediately on 999 if they know him or have any information regarding his whereabouts.
“My team and I have been working around the clock to bring Mr O’Halloran’s killer to justice, but we need your help.
"If you have any information at all that will assist us with our investigation – no matter how small – please contact us or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
“I’d also appeal to anyone who might have dash cam or cycle helmet footage that might have captured the incident to get in touch with us.”
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Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, who is in charge of policing for west London, including Ealing, said: “Mr O’Halloran had his life needlessly snatched away in a shocking act of unprovoked violence.
“I understand that the community will, quite rightly, be shocked and appalled by this incident as I am too.
“Mr O’Halloran was a very well known and much loved member of our community. My thoughts are with his family and friends. I’d like to appeal for their privacy to be respected while they come to terms with their loss.
“Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, with the assistance of my officers, have been working tirelessly over the last 20 hours to understand what has happened and to identify who is responsible for this horrific crime.
“The public will see extra officers patrolling the area over the coming days. They are there to help and protect you – so if you have any concerns or information that you want to share then please approach them.
“I realise the impact incidents like this have on our communities, but I’d like to reassure you that we are doing all we can to solve the horrendous crimes we’ve seen across London over the last few days.
“I stress that London remains one of the safest cities in the world, but we need your help and so please come forward with any information you have about this awful incident or any other violent crimes.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Thomas O’Halloran and his family at this time.”
Mr O'Halloran was the sixth person to be murdered in London in just four days.
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