Murdered businessman 'targeted'

Ahmed Shah had a property business

A businessman murdered in the street where he lived may have been a victim of a targeted attack, police have said.

A red powder was thrown into Ahmed Shah's face before he was stabbed to death on Tuesday afternoon.

The 56-year-old father-of-three of West End Road, Southall, west London, was attacked on the road where he lived.

Det Ch Insp Peter Lansdown said the suspect, who ran off along a nearby alleyway, had "a camouflage mask on and was wearing a blue boiler suit."

'Planned attack'

The suspect is believed to be about 5ft 8in of athletic or slim build.

Police said the suspect may have been injured in the attack and fled from the alleyway from West End Road onto Townsend Road.

Mr Shah ran an import export business and also owned and rented residential property in the area, police said.

"We have a witness who said a red powder, possibly chilli powder, was thrown in Mr Ahmed's face before being stabbed," DCI Lansdown said.

"This is possibly a planned attack, the motive of which is yet to be determined. It may have something to do with his property business or domestic affairs."

A post-mortem examination found Mr Shah died as a result of stab wounds.