Pinner stabbing: Murder arrest over shopkeeper death
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering 54-year-old Ravi Katharkamar.
The 44-year-old man [A] was arrested in Harrow borough on Wednesday, 27 March. He has been taken to a London police station where he remains in custody.
A murder investigation was launched after police were called to a newsagent in Marsh Road, Pinner at approximately 06:00hrs on Sunday, 24 March.
The Pinner Association has been informed that the Waxwell Lane Car Park is being hired as a filming unit base (BBC – Silent Witness) to facilitate filming in the area as from 18:00 hrs on Thursday 28th March 2019 until 22:00 hrs on Monday 1st April 2019.
Harrow Council have agreed that a row of bays in the car park will be made available to business permit holders and disabled parking badge car users during this time. The production company have also agreed to release bays if they are not in use during the day if available.
Harrow Council apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and advise members of the public to utilise the Chapel Lane car park as an alternative parking option, or use the pay and display bays along nearby Bridge Street.
Harrow Film Service (Harrow Council) apologies for the short notice of this use of the car park, which is due to the late confirmation by the production company and various schedule changes.
Chief Superintendent Sara Leach responsible for Pinner and the North West, sends a personal message to local people:
Chief Superintendent Sara Leach
I know there may be some concern in the community of Pinner over the shocking attack on 54-year-old Ravi Katharkamar in the most audacious manner, my thoughts and sympathy goes out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
I completely understand the alarm and concern this has caused for those who live and work nearby. The murder team lead by Detective Chief Inspector Simon Stancombe are doing everything they can to arrest those responsible.
I have stepped up patrols in the area and I hope this has provided some reassurance. The officers are there to talk to local people and listen to any concerns you have. The local Safer Neighbourhood officer for Pinner is PC Babur Aziz and he can be contacted by emailing [email protected].
The victim, Mr Katharkamar is believed to have been opening up the shop early on Sunday morning when he was attacked by a male who stole the till.
A black Vauxhall Astra was parked in Cecil Park prior to the murder and was driven off at speed, south down Cecil Park immediately after the attack.
Please get in touch if you:
saw the black Astra
were in or around the area at the time of the attack have seen a discarded till
you saw someone using lots of loose change some time after Sunday morning
you think you may have any other information that could help us progress this investigation
There are a number of ways to get in contact. You can call the murder investigation team on 0208 358 0200, you can also contact us on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Remember in an emergency always call 999. I would reiterate that although the incident at the weekend was shocking, Pinner is still a safe place and my officers will continue to work hard, with your support, to ensure it stays that way.
Yesterday I met with councillors and some community representatives to share details of the investigation and our response. I was touched by the high levels of cohesion within Pinner and reminded of the devastating impact this has had on all of our lives.
The Harrow Safer Neighbourhood Board (HSNB) warmly welcomes you to an INTER-ACTIVE PUBLIC MEETING with your Local Inspector for Safer Neighbourhoods, Insp Tanya Sprunks and special guest Assistant Commissioner (Counter Terrorism) Mr. Neil Basu, along with local MPS lead for Counter Terrorism for Harrow in the Council Chamber, Harrow Civic Centre, from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm on Thursday 25th April 2019. Registration will commence from 6.30 pm till 7.00 pm. The meeting will start sharp @ 7.00 pm.
Have a question to ask the Police (about policing in the borough)? We’ve got an electronic question submission form – submit your questions in advance and get your reply at the meeting!
A golden opportunity to meet with the top cop, ask questions on Policing & Counter Terrorism and learn about any changes impacting Harrow (and London as a whole), as well as to speak with your local Safer Neighbourhood Inspector and the local lead for Counter Terrorism in the Metropolitan Police Service for Harrow.
Delays are possible between 15 –> 23 March 19 as BT carry out essential work in Bridge street, Marsh Road and High Street, Pinner. Traffic control will be in place.
The appeal against the refusal of planning consent to build a block of five flats on the site of West House Lodge (the private house surrounded by Pinner Memorial Park) has been dismissed by the Planning Inspector.
The Planning Inspector in his report gave his reasons for dismissing the appeal, which include:
The proposal would not respond to local character, and moreover, because of its prominent location and design characteristics, the appeal proposal would be intrusive and detract from the qualities of the area.
The site forms part of the Open Space designation of the Memorial Park as a whole but given the presence of the existing dwelling located within the specific appeal site, the site can also be designated as garden land – therefore the policies and guidance in the Local Plan to restrict development on Open Space and garden land apply to this site.
The trees in the immediate locality have some amenity value that contributes to the character and appearance of the park. No tree survey has been provided to demonstrate that trees would not be affected by the development and as a result, I find I am not convinced that significant harm would not be caused.
The application and this subsequent appeal have been the subject of considerable representation from local residents and organisations. I have taken these into consideration, and dealt with the appeal on its own merits.
The Pinner Association has been informed that the Waxwell Lane Car Park is being hired as a filming unit base (BBC – Silent Witness) to facilitate filming in the area as from 18:00 hrs on Thursday 28th March 2019 until 22:00 hrs on Monday 1st April 2019.
For further details contact: