A Mother’s Plea for Justice, 12 Years After Brutal Murder of Teenager in Pimlico
The family of Hani Hicham Abou El Kheir, who was tragically murdered in South London at just 16 years old, continue their relentless fight for justice more than a decade after his death. On 27 January 2013, Hani was set upon in a brutal attack by a gang armed with knives and swords as he walked through Pimlico.
Five men were later convicted for their role in his killing following a trial at the Old Bailey in January 2014. They were sentenced to a combined total of 131 years in prison. Those convicted included Ahmed Mikhaimar, Arber Barbatovci, Tarquai Joseph, Craig Boyce, and a fifth individual who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The ferocity of the assault shocked the local community, with Hani being stabbed more than 20 times. His mother, Pauline Hickey, has spoken previously of how her son had only recently found the confidence to leave the house alone—just eight weeks before his life was so tragically cut short.
Prime Suspect Still at Large
Despite the convictions, one suspect remains at large. Dilawar Hussain, now aged 33, is still being sought in connection with Hani’s murder. Born in Paddington and raised in London, Hussain’s then-home in Rampayne Street, Pimlico, was searched by police just four days after the incident.
However, he was not located, and officers soon discovered that the then-21-year-old had fled to Bangladesh.
An arrest warrant for Hussain remains active, and both the Metropolitan Police and Hani’s mother are appealing to the public for any information that might assist in locating him.
Hani’s mother, Pauline, said: “It is now 12 years since my only son, Hani, was hunted down and attacked in a busy street by a group of feral men. While several people have been jailed for his murder, one suspect remains free.
Hani was only a boy when he was killed – he had his whole life to live and this was brutally taken away.
The pain of his loss does not diminish with the passing of time and it only feels greater knowing Dilawar Hussain has evaded justice so far. If you can help, I would plead with you to get in contact with the police.”
Police Renew Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation, has reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring all those responsible for Hani’s murder are brought to justice.
He said: “I am appealing for information as to the whereabouts of Dilawar Hussain. In 2014, we released a statement confirming he had fled to Bangladesh soon after the murder, and we’ve heard nothing to believe that this situation has changed.
Hani’s mother, Pauline, continues to fight for justice and to ensure those responsible for her son’s murder are held to account, and we will not rest until we’ve helped achieve this for her.”
Members of the public with any information about Hussain’s whereabouts or anyone who may be harbouring him, are urged to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 or via their website, quoting Operation Jabalpur. Alternatively, information can be passed on to local law enforcement authorities.
