Murder Investigation Launched in Watford

27 July 2011, 15:55 | Updated: 27 July 2011, 16:07

A murder investigation was launched today (Wednesday July 27th) following the disappearance of a university graduate who worked as a street entertainer.

Mujib Rahman Hakim, who has a degree in economics and social policy from Royal Holloway College in London, has not been seen for eight weeks.

The 40 year old single man is well-known in Watford Town Centre, Herts for singing and dancing.

Today his brother Muhith Hakim appealed for anyone with information to call the police. He said: "Mujib was an extremely intelligent man. It is out of character for him to disappear. I do not believe him to have been unhappy or depressed and we are extremely worried about his welfare."

He said urged Mujib or anyone who knows what has happened to contact the police to "put us out of our anguish."

Mujib, who is known locally as 'Hak', was last seen at 11.30pm, on May 27, when he told relatives he was going out to buy cigarettes.

Last Thursday (Jul 21) detectives learnt that he was assaulted near the front of Watford General Hospital on the night of May 27 or some time shortly after.

One of seven brothers and sisters he lives with his family in Watford.  He is described as an Asian man, slim, with short black hair, brown eyes and is 5 feet 8 tall. He was last seen wearing a white jumper with black horizontal stripes, a cream sleeveless puffa jacket, dark jeans, trainers and may have a beard.

He had not taken medication for a mental condition with him when he vanished.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Collin of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said the police were now in the formal stages of murder investigation after receiving information of the assault outside the hospital.

DCI Collin said there was no indication that Mr Hakim had attended the hospital that night and his officers were trying to establish a motive for the attack.

He said the police were talking to his associates in Watford town centre in an attempt to gain extra information. He said: "He was well known in Watford town centre and I am sure people in the area would have some information. He has vanished from the face of the planet."

The police have issued CCTV image of a man in a white T shirt from Watford town centre who they wish to speak to.

Three men arrested in connection his disappearance have been bailed until Hatfield police station.

As part of the investigation police have searched a house in Garston, Watford.