Second teen arrested over Solihull murder of taxi driver Mohammed Istakhar

Police have arrested a second person on suspicion of the murder of taxi driver Mohammed Istakhar, who was stabbed to death in Solihull last week.

The 19-year-old suspect was held in the Creswell area of Derbyshire today (6 December).

The arrest came after a public appeal for help was issued in finding the suspect. Mr Istakhar was found dead at the junction of Braggs Farm Lane and Lady Lane last Tuesday (29 November).

Luca De-Fazio, 18, was last week arrested in connection with the death of Mr Istakhar.

A statement from the force, read: “The suspect is being brought to the West Midlands to be questioned over the murder. “An 18-year-old man has already been charged in connection with the death of father-of-five Mr Istakhar. Anyone with information should get in touch via Live Chat, or by calling 101, and quote log 515 of 29/11/22. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Family tribute

Mr Istakhar’s family have today paid tribute to him.

In a statement they said: “Our daddy, our hero. Our hard working father has been taken so quickly from us. He was our world. He was so loved, respected by the whole of our community.

“He leaves behind his grieving wife, his five children who he loved deeply, his elderly mother, his three sisters, his one brother and fur babies. Our Martyr will live on and has set at an example for his children. He will never be forgotten. See you on the other side daddy.”