A driver who used his car to try to stop a woman being stabbed by her stalker ex-husband in west London has been released without charge.
The 26-year-old was allowed to go after officers reviewed self defence laws, CCTV and bystanders statements, the Metropolitan Police said.
“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,” Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said.
The driver had been arrested on suspicion of murder, after he’d intervened using his car to hit Leon McCaskre, 41, as he was attacking his ex-wife Yasmin Chkaifi, 43, in Maida Vale. Ms Chkaifi died from his attack.
The Met Police said it had been decided the 26-year-old would face no further action after a review of the evidence.
The man said he was grateful and thanked those who had supported him. There had been a petition set up calling for his release and also hailing him as a have a go “hero”
Ms Chkaifi was attacked near both her and her abusive ex-husband’s homes on the morning of 24 January.
In an update to the case, Det Ch Insp Neil Rawlinson said it was “vitally important that when a person dies there is a thorough investigation into all of the circumstances and this has taken place”.
The man released a statement through his lawyer in which he said the Met had taken a “sensible course of action”, and that he would continue to help them.
“I hope that in my actions a message has been sent to society: should you see an evil it is a duty upon you to stop it with your hands,” the statement said.
“If you cannot, then you should stop it by speaking out; if you cannot, then at the very least you should hate it with your heart.”
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