Police Search For Taxi Driver

3 February 2013, 10:49 | Updated: 4 February 2013, 11:30

Eight more people have been arrested following the murder of a 16 year old boy in Pimlico.

Detectives investigating the murder of teenager Hani Abou El Kheir want to speak to a taxi driver who picked up three suspects.

The 16 year old was stabbed to death on January 27th in Pimlico, by a group of people believed to have been wielding knives and swords.

Police were called to Lupus Street at 6.50pm, and Hani was rushed to King's College Hospital where he later died.

Detectives think three suspects were picked up in a taxi near Victoria station at 6.59pm. They got into a silver London taxi on Hudson Place, which then turned left onto Wilton Road.

Four people arrested in connection with Hani's murderhave been released on bail.

A man aged 48, a woman of 47 and two girls aged 16 and 17, who were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of assisting an offender were bailed to a date in March.

Two men aged 18 and 19 and two boys aged 16 and 17 arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday remain in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Attewell said: "Just over a week on from the murder of Hani Hicham Abou El Kheir the investigation team is working tirelessly to identify not only those we believe to be responsible for Hani's death but any potential witnesses who will be able to assist us with our investigation.

"We are exploring numerous lines of inquires, with this latest development being one of them. I am appealing to the driver of the silver taxi seen in Hudson Place at 6.59pm on that Sunday to come forward.

"Are you that taxi driver? Where did you drop the passengers off and did they discuss anything of significance whilst in the taxi?

"I am also seeking the assistance of the wider taxi community. With a taxi rank close by there would have been other drivers who may have witnessed the suspects getting into the silver taxi."

Police believe at least 10 people were involved in the murder and are keeping an open mind regarding a motive.

A post-mortem examination on Tuesday found Hani died from multiple stab wounds.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact the incident room on 020 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.