Teenager arrested and another on the run over murder of taxi driver Mohammed Istakhar

Police have arrested one teenager and are on the hunt for another after the brutal murder of a taxi driver in Solihull.

Mohammed Istakhar, aged 44, was found fatally stabbed in the early hours of Tuesday (29 November).

Mr Istakhar – a beloved father of five – was found with serious injuries at around 6.45am at the junction of Braggs Farm Lane at Lady Lane.

Tragically, nothing could be done by paramedics to save the life of a man described by his family as a “hero” and a “hard working” man.

WMP

Investigators understand Mr Istakhar had earlier that morning driven a fare from Birmingham city centre to the Solihull area.

Luca De-Fazio, aged 18, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday 30 November.

The Solihull teenager was charged with murder and remanded to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Friday 2 December.

Police have launched a hunt for a second teenager wanted in connection with the horrific killing of Mr Istakhar.

WMP

A police spokesperson, said: “We suspect Oliver Pugh is involved in the death of the 44-year-old who was found fatally stabbed at the junction of Braggs Farm Lane and Lady Lane on Tuesday morning, November 29.

“We really need to hear from anyone who has information on the whereabouts of the 19-year-old so we can trace and question him.”

Mr Istakhar’s grief-stricken and devastated family issued a heartbreaking tribute to the much-loved father who brought joy to family and friends.

In a statement Mr Istakhar’s family 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.”