POLICE have released the name of the 87-year-old man stabbed to death while riding a mobility scooter in Ealing last night (Tuesday, 16 August) and an image of a man seen running from the crime scene with a knife.

Thomas O'Halloran died on Cayton Road, Greenford, after being attacked just after 4pm. Met Police say he was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Eastwood, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are keen to identify the man in the CCTV images as a matter of urgency. He is clearly a dangerous individual and people are advised not to approach him, but to call us immediately on 999 if they know him or have any information regarding his whereabouts.

"My team and I have been working around the clock to bring Mr O'Halloran's killer to justice, but we need your help. If you have any information at all that will assist us with our investigation – no matter how small – please contact us or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

"I'd also appeal to anyone who might have dash cam or cycle helmet footage that might have captured the incident to get in touch with us."

Speaking to the BBC, Ealing resident Nick Lambie said Mr O'Halloran was known to collect for charity.

He added: "When you hear something like that happening on your doorstep it is very disconcerting as it is a very quiet area.

"I understand he collected for charity and was quite often as I understand at the local Tesco's. By the looks of it he was making is away from there.

"Someone in their 80s in a mobility scooter can't put up much of a fight."

Police at the scene of the stabbing.

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, who is in charge of policing for west London, including Ealing, said: "Mr O'Halloran had his life needlessly snatched away in a shocking act of unprovoked violence.

"I understand that the community will, quite rightly, be shocked and appalled by this incident as I am too.

"Mr O'Halloran was a very well known and much loved member of our community. My thoughts are with his family and friends. I'd like to appeal for their privacy to be respected while they come to terms with their loss. 

"Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, with the assistance of my officers, have been working tirelessly over the last 20 hours to understand what has happened and to identify who is responsible for this horrific crime.

"The public will see extra officers patrolling the area over the coming days. They are there to help and protect you – so if you have any concerns or information that you want to share then please approach them.

"I realise the impact incidents like this have on our communities, but I'd like to reassure you that we are doing all we can to solve the horrendous crimes we've seen across London over the last few days.

"I stress that London remains one of the safest cities in the world, but we need your help and so please come forward with any information you have about this awful incident or any other violent crimes.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with Thomas O'Halloran and his family at this time."

The Met Police say additional officers will be deployed to patrol the area in the coming days to provide reassurance to the local community.

It is the sixth murder investigation to be launched in London in the last four days.