NEWS RELEASE 29/08/2003

Operation Sisters – Update

Kamran Shezad, the 20 year old man who was stabbed in the incident at Wardown Park on Wednesday 20th August died in the early hours of this morning. Kamran lived with his mother, father, brothers and sisters in Luton and had been on a life support machine since he was brought in to Luton and Dunstable hospital having had two heart attacks after suffering massive blood loss from a stab wound in his leg. A major incident room is already up and running at Luton Police Station under the code-name Operation Sisters, and there are currently 40 officers working on the enquiry. This has now been formally declared a murder investigation. Detective Chief Superintendent Geoff Comb, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Kamran’s family. I have met them personally a number of times since this investigation started and I know that they are a very close family and that this has been a desperately traumatic week for them. The whole inquiry team are determined to bring to justice the people who have been responsible for this young man’s death.” A 19 year old man was charged with attempted murder on Wednesday. Andrew Morrison, of no fixed abode, was arrested on Monday night in London and appeared in court on Thursday. He remains in police custody – his charge is currently under review. A 16 year old arrested on Tuesday has been released without charge on police bail, pending further enquiries. The police investigation is still, however, very much active and there are still many people to trace – both witnesses and suspects. Detective Chief Superintendent Comb added; “We are still looking for any members of the public who may have been present in the park on Wednesday and who have not yet contacted the police. They probably do not realise they have significant information but it is essential they contact us. “I also know there are still people out there who fully realise they have information to help this enquiry but have hesitated to come forward. I would appeal to them directly – Kamran’s family have been devastated by what has happened to him – please help them and tell us what you know. You can contact us anonymously if you have to, but please come forward now.” The incident room can be contacted in confidence on 01582 401212, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.