LONDON: A Sikh man of Indian origin who was killed while confronting two muggers who were running away after snatching a woman’s handbag has been described as a hero by the British police.
Sukhwinder Singh, a builder and father of one, was attacked while pursuing the two muggers who had robbed a 28-year-old woman near Barking station. After chasing the two men along several streets, Singh caught up with them and a fight broke out, during which he was stabbed around 7pm on Friday, according to the Metropolitan Police. Singh, 31, was immediately taken to Royal London Hospital where he died of his injuries.
Describing Singh’s actions as ‘‘very brave’’, detective inspector of Metropolitan Police John Sandlin said, ‘‘This is a tragic death of a man who was killed for attempting to stop others committing crime. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Sukhwinder had been living in London for 10 years and was reportedly staying with his cousins in Barking.
The Metropolitan Police has issued descriptions of two suspects who were described as black, aged in their 20s to 30s, and of average height.
Local politician Nirmal Singh Gill said, ‘‘We are all very shocked. He didn’t deserve this — nobody deserves it — but he was a special young man.’’
Sikh councillor pays tribute to murdered 'have-a-go hero'
A SIKH councillor has paid tribute to Sukhwinder Singh. Cllr Balvinder Saund said Mr Singh was often at the forefront of the community. He visited Barking Gurdwara every day and helped to organise street parades for the Barking and Seven Kings Gurdwaras management committee.
Community in mourning
Cllr Saund said: "People knew him very well as someone who was kind-hearted and always involved.
"It's such a sad case. He chased these men after hearing the woman yelling for help.
"In hindsight he should have let them go, but he probably thought he was helping and didn't think he would get stabbed."
Cllr Saund visited Barking Gurdwara to pay homage to the stabbed man, who worked as a builder and lived with uncles and cousins in Barking.
He had a wife and 10-year-old son who lived in India.
Cllr Saund said: "Everyone at the Gurdwara is in shock.
"It's normally such a busy place with people singing, but it was just silent.
"People are very upset - no one expected this to happen."
A memorial service is also being opened at Seven Kings Gurdwara and some worshippers are planning a future collection for funds to fly Mr Singh's body home.
The two men police are hunting in connection with the attack are described as black, aged in their 20s to 30s and both about 5ft 7in to 6ft tall.
Det Insp John Sandlin, from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "This is a tragic death of a man who was killed for attempting to stop others committing a crime."
Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.