Police have named a man they suspect of involvement in the stabbing of an 11-month-old baby and a 32-year-old woman in west London.
Rehan Khan, 25, is being hunted after the attack at a property in Hanworth, which left the boy in a critical condition. The woman’s injuries are not life-threatening.
Members of the public are advised not to approach Khan, who has links throughout London, including in areas such as Hounslow, Isleworth, Newham, Slough, and Hammersmith and Fulham.
Detectives believe Khan knew the woman and baby and are trying to find out if he was staying at the house where the attack took place.
“We are looking for someone in relation to the incident and at this stage, it doesn’t appear to be a stranger attack,” a Met spokesperson told local press.
The victims were taken to hospital by the air ambulance service after they were found on Monday morning with knife wounds.
According to reports, about 20 police vehicles came to the area, with pictures showing police dog handlers at the residential property.
Neighbours were reportedly ordered by police to stay inside and lock their doors.
Myrtle Cantwell, 62, who has lived on the estate for 38 years, said: “The air ambulance was hovering and there was lots of police. The police came by and banged on the door where it happened. The lady next door came out and ushered them in. I could see the police vans and the sirens, but I stayed indoors.”
She said she did not know the family involved, but had seen the children playing outside. “You do not expect that sort of thing to happen on your doorstep,” Cantwell said.
A large blood smear could be seen on a white wall by the entrance to the terraced house, which was cordoned off, and a police tent had been erected in the back garden as investigators sealed off the crime scene.
Leanne Gidlow, 33, who also lives on the estate, said: “They were quiet and just kept themselves to themselves. I don’t think they had been living there too long.”
She said armed police had suddenly turned up on a quiet evening. “I just think ‘How could anyone do this?’ When this sort of stuff happens on your doorstep – I just turned cold. Then you hear there is a baby involved and it seems to make it all worse somehow,” Gidlow said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Hounslow police on 101, tweet MetCC quoting CAD 6981/4June, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
