Detectives name butcher knifed to death in row

Detectives hunting the killer of a butcher stabbed to death in a row have named the victim.

Irfan Ahmad, 24, was fatally knifed in the chest at Halal Food Direct, where he worked on The Broadway in Wood Green, north London, last Thursday.

Paramedics tried to save Mr Ahmad, but he died at the scene.

So far there have been no arrests and detectives are appealing for witnesses and information. Mr Ahmed lived in nearby Finsbury Park.

Today the owner of the shop where he worked, Shahie Ali, 45, said: "We're very saddened by the loss of a valued colleague and friend.

"Irfan was absolutely wonderful, very well-mannered and liked by everybody. He had a smile for all. Our customers are really upset. Irfan kept himself to himself. He just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time."

Ilyas Khan, 34, who works nearby, said: "It's terrible and we are all really shocked. He was a young guy just trying to work hard to make a living."

Detective Chief Inspector Steven Lawrence said: "It is essential that anyone with information contacts the police as soon as possible."

Witnesses can call the incident room on 020 7321 9290 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.