First picture of ‘peacemaker’ who was stabbed to death outside of prayer centre

This is the first picture of a ‘hero’ restaurant manager who was stabbed to death after trying to break up a fight outside a west London Muslim centre.

The victim, named locally as Dara Sayed Barham, had intervened as ‘peacemaker’ after two men fought near his eatery on Hanworth Road.

His best friend Kavan Soleman described how Dara had not considered his own safety when he came between the battling men on Sunday.

The road remained closed today as forensics officers trawled the scene for clues.

Medical bags still lay strewn outside the Hounslow Muslim Centre.

Kavan told Metro that his friend had come to London four years ago and had been a ‘perfect citizen’.

He said: ‘He was my best friend he would help anyone and do anything for anyone. The fight was nothing to do with him. But he was a perfect citizen, a hero who tried to come between them without worrying about himself, he was a peacemaker.

‘I’m devastated he was such a good, hardworking person. He is Kurdish like me. His family are there. I’m going to the hospital as I live in London. I can’t believe he has gone.’

Farnhan Ali, who runs a mobile phone store near the restaurant where the victim worked, described him as ‘just a wonderful guy’ who had recently bought a phone from him to use to send home to his Kurdish family.

Farhan told Metro: ‘I’m in shock he was a wonderful guy, my best customer. He bought a phone he had been saving up for from me. He said he wanted to use the camera to send a picture home to his mother. He was such a peaceful guy he was the best person.’

A statement from the Metropolitan Police, issued yesterday, said officers were called to busy west London street yesterday after receiving reports that a 22-year-old man has been stabbed.

Dara was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital where he later died. His next of kin has been informed.

No arrests have been made.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and enquiries are ongoing. A crime scene remains in place.

Detective chief inspector Wayne Jolley said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim at this incredibly difficult time.

‘This incident happened in a busy part of Hounslow during the middle of the afternoon. It’s vital we hear from anyone who was in the area and witnessed the attack, the moments leading up to it, or the aftermath.

‘If you think you might have caught any dash cam or mobile phone footage, please contact the police as soon as possible. You may have vital information that could assist our investigation.

‘The incident happened outside the Hounslow Muslim Centre. At this time, there is nothing to suggest a link to the venue.’

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