Three suspects believed to be involved in the stabbing of an Iranian journalist left the UK a few hours after the attack, according to police.
Pouria Zeraati, a presenter at London-based broadcaster Iran International, was stabbed in the leg outside his home in Wimbledon, southwest London, on Friday afternoon.
The Metropolitan Police said the victim was approached by two men in a residential street before he was attacked.
The pair then fled the scene in a blue Mazda 3, driven by a third man, which was abandoned in the New Malden area shortly afterwards.
The suspects then “travelled directly to Heathrow Airport and left the UK within a few hours of the attack”, said police.
Forensic experts are currently examining the vehicle as searches around the New Malden area continue.
Police have said the motivation for the attack is not yet clear, but Mr Zeraati’s occupation – coupled with recent threats towards UK-based Iranian journalists – meant the probe was being led by specialist counter-terrorism officers.
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The force said it was “keeping an open mind on any potential motivation” for the attack.
The presenter was discharged from hospital on 1 April, and said he and his wife were living at a “safe place” under the Met’s supervision.
Mr Zeraati had thanked everyone for their calls and messages of support, posting on X: “The amount of your sympathy, kindness and love in past few days has been and is the greatest and best energy for my recovery process.”
Iran International spokesman Adam Baillie said the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has been targeting its broadcasters.
In October 2022, the IRGC – a key security force for the regime in Tehran – “openly” and “nakedly” warned Iran International ‘we’re coming for you’, Mr Baillie added.
Source Agencies
