The family of a pensioner who died after a scuffle with armed intruders at his Tooting home have been given fresh hope after detectives announced a £20,000 reward for new information.
Mashboor Hussain collapsed and died at his family home in Selkirk Road after an altercation with burglars who forced their way into the house on Feburary 11, 2014.
Mr Hussain’s wife and adult daughter, who called the emergency services, were also in the house at the time of the incident.
The burglars were wearing hooded tops, one was armed with a gun and one was described as slim and wearing black gloves, fled on foot with a red Nike shoe box containing a mobile phone, cash and other items.
Although the 73-year-old died from coronary heart disease the pathologist indicated that Mr Hussain’s death resulted from the disturbance so police are treating his death as murder.
Senior Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn, said: “It has been more than a year since Mr Hussain’s murder and we hope the offer of this large reward will encourage people to come forward with information, no matter how small.
“I believe there are still people who have yet to speak to us and would urge them to contact us. Were you in the area of Selkirk Road at the time? Did you see or hear anything?
“Mr Hussain’s family naturally remain devastated by his death and desperate to see those responsible for his murder brought to justice.”
Shortly after Mr Hussain’s death police officers arrested two men, aged 20 and 19, on suspicion of murder.
The 20-year-old suspect was charged with aggravated burglary and manslaughter and the teen with murder, they both appeared in court but their cases were discontined and the men were released with no further action.
The substantial sum is available for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the death of Mashboor Hussain.
Officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command will again be in the Selkirk Road area today to speak to local people and distributing appeal leaflets.
Anyone who can assist the investigation should call the incident room on 020 8721 4622 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Picture courtesy of Met Police, with thanks
