A motorist who ran over and killed a knifeman after he stabbed his ex-partner to death in the street in Maida Vale has been released without charge, police have said.
The incident happened on January 24 when 43-year-old Yasmin Chkaifa was stabbed multiple times by her ex-partner, Leon McCaskie, in broad daylight in Maida Vale, west London. Ms Chkaifi’s cause of death was confirmed as multiple stab wounds.
A 26-year-old driver known as Abraham who saw the incident mowed into McCaskre and killed him in an attempt to stop him. The driver was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Following his arrest, thousands of people signed a petition in support of the driver, with Ms Chfaiki’s reportedly describing him as “a hero”.
Today the motorist was released with “no further police action”, the Metropolitan Police said.
“Having reviewed the CCTV evidence and taken statements of numerous members of the public and attending officers, as well as reviewing the legal position regarding self-defence and defence of another, a decision has been taken that the driver of the car, a 26-year-old man, will face no further police action,” Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson said.
“He is considered a vital witness to our investigation and will be offered support from professionals to help him come to terms with the terrifying situation he was confronted with.
“It is vitally important that when a person dies there is a thorough investigation into all of the circumstances and this has taken place. Such decisions must be thoroughly examined and while this process takes time this has been a priority for my team. The man’s legal advisers have been informed of this decision.
“Inquests have opened in relation to both deaths and my team will continue to work to provide evidence for the coroner. We continue to appeal for witnesses to this incident who have yet to speak to police to come forward and do so.”
[Image: PA Media]