Heartbreaking pic of victim, 77, stabbed to death in ‘random machete attack’ at market as man charged with murder
A HEARTBREAKING picture shows the 77-year-old man stabbed to death in a market – after a man was charged with his murder.
Hilkiah McLeggan was attacked “at random” with a machete in Walworth, South East London on Remembrance Sunday.
Ali Musse appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with murder and attempted murder.
Using a Somali interpreter, the 66-year-old spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and that he is of no fixed address.
Musse was remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey.
The rampage unfolded just moments before the nationwide two minute’s silence at a busy market.
Stalls were abandoned and shoppers ran in terror as Musse allegedly began attacking people with a machete.
The horror only came to an end when a hero stallholder fought off the suspect with a metal bar.
Tragically, Hilkiah couldn’t be saved and was declared dead at the scene.
Two other men were taken to hospital where one remains in a critical condition.
One stallholder, who comforted Hilkiah, told The Sun: “There was blood everywhere.
“The victim shouted, ‘I am gone. It’s the end of my life’ and collapsed and died.”
Police confirmed no one else was being sought in connection with the attack, which is not being treated as terror-related.
Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh said: “This was a horrific incident where a man lost his life and two other people received serious injuries.
“The incident has understandably caused concern amongst the local community.
“There will be an increased policing presence in the Walworth area as we work alongside our partners to provide reassurance to local people and small businesses operating in East Street.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank brave members of the public who assisted police at the scene.
“Lastly we are aware of posts circulating on social media, implying that this was a terrorist incident.
“Our enquiries indicate this is not the case and we ask the public not to speculate.”
Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 101 or quoting reference 2690/10Nov.