Driver who killed London knife attacker to face no charges

A driver who fatally rammed his car into a man to prevent him from stabbing a woman has been released by police and faces no further action, the Independent reports.

A 26-year-old engineer, known only as Abraham, was arrested on suspicion of murder after he mowed down Leon McCaskre as he fatally stabbed his former partner, 43-year-old mother of two Yasmin Chkaifi.

Following a review of the law around self-defense and defense of another, the Metropolitan Police have now stated that Abraham will face no further action.

Abraham, who has a wife and children, said that his "instant thought" was to protect Chkaifi as he hit McCaskre with his blue Renault Clio in Maida Vale, west London, last week. He said he "only intended to protect those being attacked".

Speaking to the Independent last week, Abraham's lawyer Tasnime Akunjee noted that the murder investigation had left his client "traumatized".

"He is traumatized regarding the events," Akunjee said. "He doesn’t feel that he is a hero; he feels what he did was what anyone else would have done and should have done. He does not regret what he did; he stated the only regret he has is that he didn’t get there sooner."

Abraham told police that he was on his way to work at about 9 AM on January 24 when he witnessed 41-year-old McCaskre attacking Chkaifi in Chippenham Road near both of their homes as witnesses looked on in horror.

Sadly, Chkaifi succumbed to her injuries, and McCaskre also died after he was struck by Abraham's vehicle.

McCaskre was wanted by authorities after he failed to show up at court on January 4 in connection with allegations that he had infringed on a stalking order by approaching Chkaifi in west London over the summer.

Chkaifi's family has since praised Abraham, referring to the driver as “our hero”.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson, who headed up the probe for 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-defense and defense of another, a decision has been taken that the driver of the car, a 26-year-old man will face no further police action.

"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 advisors 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."

Featured image credit: Anna Koldunova / Alamy