Two independent investigations have been launched into the murder of Bijan Ebrahimi, an innocent man who was beaten and burned to death after vigilante neighbours mistook him for a paedophile. The 44-year-old, who was registered disabled and unable to work, had been photographing local youths damaging his hanging baskets, intending to give the images to police as evidence.
However, a witness reported him to police, claiming he had taken pictures of children. Officers arrested Ebrahimi on suspicion of a public order offence, and as he was taken from his council maisonette in Brislington, Bristol, residents began chanting “Paedo, paedo”. He was questioned at a police station but released after officers realised he was blameless. Two days later, on 14 July, he was murdered.
Lee James, 24, beat Ebrahimi unconscious before dragging him into the street with the help of Stephen Norley, also 24. They doused him with white spirits and set him on fire. James has pleaded guilty to murder, and Norley admitted assisting an offender. They are due to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court next month.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is examining how officers dealt with Ebrahimi before his death. Gross misconduct notices have been served on three police constables who had dealings with the murdered man, as well as on an inspector, sergeant and constable who dealt with him while he was in custody. All have been suspended by Avon and Somerset Police. Bristol City Council has also launched a voluntary review of its contact with the victim.
In a family statement, relatives described Ebrahimi as a “loving and caring man” who lived for his garden. They said: “Bijan was a quiet, disabled man whose only joys in life came from his horticultural interests and his cat. Bijan was a caring, loving and unselfish man. He was an excellent uncle and a warm, supportive brother.”
A police spokesman emphasised that Ebrahimi was innocent, stating categorically that he had not taken any indecent images and that nothing of concern was found on his computer. Residents who spoke anonymously said rumours had spread quickly, with about 20 people calling him a paedophile and cheering when police arrested him. One added: “Whoever started those rumours now has to live with that. He wasn’t a paedophile and he’s now dead. That’s a hell of a conscience to have.”
