75 Year Old Stabbed in Small Heath

MURDER investigators have released CCTV footage of a man running near to where Small Heath pensioner Mohammed Saleem (pictured) was found stabbed to death – and are urging the public for help to identify him.

The man – a white male in his late 20s or early 30s wearing a beanie-style hat – is seen sprinting in Wyndcliffe Road on Monday night (April 29) at around the time Mr Saleem was attacked in nearby Little Green Lane.

The 75-year-old was stabbed three times in the back as he walked home from evening prayers just before 10.30pm in what police have described as a “swift, vicious attack”.

And detectives have also issued CCTV footage of a seven-seat people carrier driving near the mosque as it’s believed the two male occupants – both white men in their 30s – may be significant witnesses.

Detective Superintendent Mark Payne, who is leading the enquiry, said: “The man seen running nearby is being treated as a person of interest for the inquiry team – we need to know who he is so if anyone believes they recognise him I’d urge them to contact us.

“However, it may be that he’s unconnected to the murder so I’d also encourage him to make contact so we can eliminate him from our enquiries.

 “Mr Saleem was a defenceless pensioner returning home from evening prayers...it’s a despicable attack.

“I’m confident someone, or perhaps several people, in the local community know who has done this or at least has their suspicions about who may be involved.

“The killer certainly doesn’t deserve protecting − I’d ask people to look into their consciences and if they have any suspicions about who’s responsible then to contact West Midlands Police on the 101 number.”