Tower Bridge Road man killed in firebombing

Officers say that Hayat, who was in his late 40s, originated from Kashmir and has been in the UK for several years.

At approximately 3.30pm on Thursday police were called to reports of a fire at a convenience store on Clapham Road, near the junction with Handforth Road, SW9.

The ambulance service took Mr Hayat to St Thomas' Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

A post-mortem will be arranged in due course.

A further three men were taken to a South London hospital for treatment. Two
suffered minor burns and have since been discharged, and one remains in a
critical condition.

All four men are believed to have been staff at the shop. No other people
were in the shop at the time.

If it assists with appeals, the four victims are Asian.

An incident room has opened at Lewisham under DCI David Garwood.

Police are appealing for help to identify a man seen to throw a lighted object
into the shop before running off. He is described as black, approx 30-35 years old, approx 5'8 to 5'10 tall. He wore a navy blue long-sleeved top, which had a broad (approx 10 inch) grey band around the chest, and dark trousers.

This man ran from the scene onto Handforth Road. Officers searched the area
but were unable to trace him. House to house enquiries are continuing, as is
a review of CCTV in the area.

Anyone who recognises the description, or who has information that may
assist the inquiry, should call the incident room on 020 8721 4961. If you
wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

At this early stage offices say that they are keeping an open mind as to any motive.