Birmingham Machete Attacker Remains Fugitive Nearly Five Years After Conviction
A man convicted of attempting to murder his wife during a brutal machete attack at their Birmingham home remains on the run, with authorities continuing their search nearly five years after the horrific assault.
Sharaz Ali, now aged either 44 or 45, was found guilty in his absence after stabbing his partner multiple times with a machete and knife at their residence on Northcote Road in Stechford in September 2021.
Trial Disappearance and Ongoing Manhunt
During his attempted murder trial in August 2022, Ali inexplicably received bail and subsequently fled, failing to appear in court. A bench warrant was immediately issued by Birmingham Crown Court, but the dangerous fugitive has not been seen since.
Despite being convicted and sentenced to 23 years in prison, Ali has managed to evade capture for approximately four and a half years, denying justice to his victim and her family.
Police Appeals and Public Information
West Midlands Police have launched multiple appeals over the years, including features on BBC's Crimewatch program, but all efforts to locate Ali have proven unsuccessful so far.
In a September 2024 appeal, three years after the attack, police stated: "We're continuing to appeal for your help to track down Sharaz Ali who attempted to murder his wife. We've been working hard to trace his whereabouts and understand he had been known to stay in Croydon, London, but we believe someone in Birmingham may know where he is."
Known Connections and Safety Warning
Authorities have identified that Ali maintains connections in both Croydon, London, and Birmingham. Police specifically believe that individuals within the Birmingham community may possess crucial information about his current location.
West Midlands Police have issued clear safety instructions: "If you've seen him, or know where he is, please do not approach him, but call 999 immediately, quoting investigation number 20/1410584/21. Alternatively, report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Victim's Plea and Justice System Concerns
Following the attack, the victim publicly called on her husband to "be a man and hand yourself in," while simultaneously expressing that she felt let down by the justice system that granted him bail during such a serious trial.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in balancing defendant rights with public safety, particularly in violent crime cases where bail decisions can have severe consequences.
With a substantial prison sentence awaiting him should he ever be apprehended, the search for Sharaz Ali continues as one of West Midlands Police's most persistent fugitive investigations.
