Police appeal after pensioner dies in mosque attack

Detectives investigating the murder of a pensioner who died following an attack outside a mosque appealed today for a motorist to come forward.

Ekram Haque, 67, died in hospital on Monday after the incident in Church Lane, Tooting, south London on August 31.

The retired care worker's young granddaughter, who was with him at the time, was unhurt.

Scotland Yard said police needed to trace a driver who was believed to have picked up an injured youth and given him a lift to hospital shortly after the incident.

A Met Police spokesman said officers believed the driver of the red Series 1 BMW was acting as a "good Samaritan" when he was flagged down between Tooting and Mitcham between 10.30pm and 11pm on August 31.

Detective Inspector Barney Ratcliffe said: "I would like to emphasise that we believe the driver of this red Series 1 BMW was just being public spirited and helping someone who was injured, but we urgently need to talk to them.

"They might be able to supply information which is crucial to this murder investigation.

"We believe they would have picked up the injured youth somewhere in the vicinity of Church Lane, between Tooting and Mitcham.

"I would urge them to contact us now on 020 8721 4205."

Three teenagers appeared in court on Tuesday charged with the murder of Mr Haque.

The two 14-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy were remanded in custody to re-appear at Sutton Youth Court on October 6.