The first image of a Sikh woman allegedly stabbed to death when a knifeman entered her home as she slept has been released. Kirandeep Kaur, 24, had given birth just weeks before the attack on Uxbridge Road on Sunday morning.
Victim's background
Kirandeep moved to the United Kingdom nearly two years ago on a student visa, later obtaining a work permit and living and working there. Her father, Sukhdev Singh, and mother, Baljeet Kaur, sold all their farmland in Punjab, India, to fund her move to the UK to study. They hoped she would build a better future for the family and eventually help her siblings settle overseas.
Parents' demand for justice
Speaking to local media PTC News, her parents said an unidentified assailant entered her bedroom and attacked her with a sharp-edged weapon in what they believe was a racist attack. They demanded that their daughter's body be brought back to India and that those responsible be brought to justice.
Family reaction
Her brother-in-law, Sahib, at the crime scene on Monday, told Metro: 'She had just had a baby. The family were so happy. We are heartbroken. She was a wonderful mother.' Sahib's brother, married to Kirandeep, was also injured and is recovering with family.
Neighbor's tribute
Neighbour Ruby described Kirandeep as a 'friendly, smiley young mum' who doted on her newborn. She told Metro: 'She was really nice, just a smiley, friendly young lady. I can't imagine why this would have happened. I didn't hear anything overnight, but then, first thing in the morning, there were police everywhere. She had just had a baby very recently. She looked so happy being a mum. The baby is so cute and we were all so pleased for the mum. We are all heartbroken.'
Community response
Kirandeep's place of worship, Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Southall, said they were 'deeply saddened and shocked by the heinous murder.' They added: 'The loss of a young life in such violent circumstances has profoundly affected our congregation and the wider community. Every person has the right to live free from violence and fear, and incidents such as this leave lasting scars on families and neighbourhoods alike. We call upon the authorities to ensure that this case is investigated thoroughly, transparently and with the utmost diligence so that justice is served for Kirandeep and her family.'
Police investigation
Metropolitan Police said they 'quickly' found a 44-year-old man nearby who matched the suspect description. He had suffered injuries consistent with jumping out of a window. A Met spokesperson said: 'Although there is no evidence this was a hate crime at this stage, investigators are keeping an open mind and exploring every line of enquiry.' Daniel Sean James, 44, of Mercer Place, Pinner, was charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.
