Harrowing video shows an 87-year-old grandpa on a mobility scooter begging for assistance after being tragically stabbed in London. Detectives are searching for a knifeman seen leaving the scene.
Thomas O’Halloran, 87, was stabbed yesterday in Greenford, west London, and waved down two individuals on his mobility scooter.
CCTV video shows the couple making a phone conversation before Mr. O’Halloran drove away after being attacked in an alley near to the A40 Western Avenue.
This afternoon, police published photos of a ‘dangerous guy’ spotted leaving the site of Mr. O’Halloran’s assault. He was from Ennistymon, County Clare, Ireland.
The victim, who had been busking outside a Tesco, was assaulted in the 59th murder in London this year. Friends fear someone ‘saw him gather charity money’
The pensioner, a former engineer, contributed money for Ukraine war victims; his death ‘devastated’ Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Police offered Mr. O’Halloran first assistance until the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance arrived, but he died at the site.
His murderer left seconds after the assault, and authorities are seeking witnesses.
Scotland Yard DCI Jim Eastwood stated, ‘We need to identify the individual in the CCTV photographs urgently.’
People should not approach him and should phone 999 if they know his location.
My crew and I have worked around the clock to find Mr. O’Halloran’s murderer, but we need your assistance.
If you have any information that will help us with our inquiry, contact us or Crimestoppers anonymously.’
I’d also ask anybody with dash cam or bike helmet film to contact us.
It’s the sixth murder probe opened by Scotland Yard in four days, sparking criticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who said he was ‘devastated’ by the incident.
A guy was stabbed to death Monday morning at a West End Korean restaurant. 58-year-old lady stabbed to death at Acton Town tube station.
36-year-old guy discovered dead in Lewisham, 60-year-old man killed in Dagenham fight on Sunday, 25-year-old man shot dead in Walthamstow on Saturday.
A friend of Mr. O’Halloran’s for more than 20 years told MailOnline, ‘I can’t believe this’ Tom was the happiest person I’ve met.
‘He smiled every day.
Someone watched him collect charity money and followed him.
You wouldn’t expect an old guy on a mobility scooter to put up much of a fight. It’s disgusting.
Tom had routines. He was out daily with his wife, who had a mobility scooter. They’d leave at 10am.
At noon, he’d play his accordion at Tesco. He sat outdoors till late afternoon, then walked to Greenford Station along the road where he was assaulted.
‘At 5pm, he’d spend two hours at the station. He’d be there when everyone got off work and leave at 7pm.
He carried a Ukrainian flag and a money box.
People sometimes gave him £10 or £20.
The acquaintance continued, ‘Tom was well-known in the community for bringing pleasure to others.’
He was cheerful. Always laughing and joking.
He drove a three-wheeler. The cops took it away because it wasn’t taxed.
Even so, he obtained a mobility scooter.
The incident surprised the pensioner’s neighbours.
Anushka Burnett, 37, added, ‘Tom was really kind.’ Always cheerful. Always joking and laughing.
‘He was a kind guy. He worked hard with neighbours. Daily conversations.
He couldn’t assist enough with little chores.
‘It’s wrong. Friendly guy. Nobody bothered him.
‘He seldom stayed in. He has never complained about anything occurring while he was out. He felt protected and secure. So shocking.
He enjoyed music. He played various instruments and sang in his backyard. Classical music. He played well.
I can’t believe somebody would do this.
Adrianna Sowinska stated, ‘I was shocked’ He’s great. He had visitors. Never hurt anybody. Someone stealing a mobility scooter from a defenceless individual is startling.
‘He’s well-known. He had personality. Unbelievable.
‘He’s everywhere. Outside the station and Tesco, he plays accordion. He’s talented. He said he’d do it since he liked making people happy with music. He played tunes.
Another neighbour learnt of the tragedy when police came at Mr. O’Halloran’s residence Tuesday night.
He said, “I heard screams inside.” His wife. She was devastated when they informed her.
Mr. O’Halloran’s family was too disturbed to discuss. Daniel, 44, stated, ‘My family has nothing to say.’
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, who oversees West London cops, covering Ealing, said: ‘Mr O’Halloran’s life was needlessly taken in an act of unjustified aggression.’
‘I know the community is horrified and outraged by this, as are I.
Mr O’Halloran was a well-known and valued community member. Family and friends are in my thoughts. Please respect their privacy as they grieve.
Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command and my officers have worked for 20 hours to determine what occurred and find the perpetrator.
Extra cops will patrol in the following days. If you have issues or information to offer, please contact them.
‘I realise the effect acts like these have on our communities, but I want to reassure you that we’re doing all we can to solve the horrific crimes in London recently.
London is one of the safest cities in the world, but we need your assistance with this or other violent crimes.
Thomas O’Halloran and his family are in our prayers.
Mr Khan wrote yesterday night, ‘I’m sad an elderly guy was slain tonight. I’m thinking about the victim’s family.
‘I’m in communication with @MetPoliceUK, which has an extra uniformed presence. Anyone with info should come forward.
Many criticise the Mayor for the recent rise in violent crime in the city.
Greg Hands, MP for Chelsea and Fulham, said Mayor Khan has to ‘get a grip’ following the sixth stabbing in a single weekend.
Frasley Coutinho claims he saw portions of the Greenwood stabbing on CCTV.
‘I observed a few people gathering around him, then he drove passed and stopped, and then there were young lads surrounding him,’ he added. A rose bush blocked my view.’
Coutinho said, ‘It’s horrible. It’s quiet here. It occurred in summer daylight on a major route. Often. He was happy and I’ve lived here for years. We said “hi.” He was a pleasant traveller.
Online video shows paramedics treating the sufferer.
Officers want dashcam or bike helmet video from anybody on the A40 eastbound at Cayton Road and Welland Gardens between 1:15 and 4:15.
Simran Advani, 25, a senior property manager who lives close, said Mr. O’Halloran ‘always smiled’ when she saw him on his mobility scooter.
She remarked, “He seemed polite.” He routinely walks around the block, but never on the sidewalk. This street is always silent. An 80-year-old guy being slain here is disturbing.
‘On this route, you seldom hear noise or see young people. Today was typical. There’s a parade of stores around the corner, beneath the railroad lines, and into an alley.’
Unnamed neighbour: ‘It’s not great, it’s usually quiet here. It’s hidden. I feel bad for his family, but the news is full with stabbings.