Detectives investigating the murder of Patrick Oyeri in Hounslow, Wes London, have carried out a witness appeal at the scene of the crime a week on from the fatal stabbing of the 29-year-old.
Patrick was found lying on Rosebery Road last week Monday, after police were called at approximately 15:35hrs to the location following reports of a fight taking place between two groups. When officers arrived, the groups had dispersed but they found the victim suffering from a stab wound.
London Ambulance Service and the London Air Ambulance attended. Patrick was treated at the scene by paramedics, but they were unable to save him and he died at 16:18hrs. A post-mortem examination held the following day gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the liver.
An inquest was opened and adjourned last Thursday at West London Coroner's Court. There are currently no arrests and enquiries continue.
Patrick Oyeri
Patrick Oyeri
His family have issued a statement via his sister - Katherine Oyeri: "Just over a week ago, Patrick's life was taken by a cowardly, senseless stabbing. A father was taken away from his 5-year-old daughter, a brother was taken away from his siblings and a son was taken from his parents: he said "see you later" to his mother in the morning, with her not knowing he would not return.
"No parent should have to bury their child, and no-one should ever have to die alone, suffering and helpless. Whilst we as a family are trying to come to terms with our tragic loss, the police are doing everything possible to make sure the perpetrators are prosecuted. We want justice for our gentle giant.
"Our family are appealing to the public to help us seek justice, to help us strengthen and come together as a community. We ask anyone who knows anything connected to this horrible crime, no matter how small, to please be brave and come forward with what you know. We appeal to you to help us all stand against violence in our neighbourhoods."
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Price, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) who is leading the investigation, added: "Patrick's family has been left devastated by his untimely death. We know that there was a fight in the road between two different groups of men before he was stabbed and we would echo the Oyeri family's appeal to urge any witnesses who saw what happened or perhaps captured the events on their mobile phones, to contact us. Anyone with information who wants to speak to a third party can pass information to us in complete confidence via Crimestoppers."
The members of the public can contact the dedicated homicide incident room number on 020 8721 4054 or via 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.