Jafir Nazir, wanted in connection with a brutal knife attack on a Birmingham street, has now been on the run for a full year.
Detectives from West Midlands Police have so far been unable to trace the suspect, despite an extensive appeal and a £5,000 reward from Crimestoppers. Nazir is believed to have been at the scene when a man was slashed multiple times in the head with a flick knife on Monica Road, Small Heath, last August.
How the attack unfolded
The victim was riding a quad bike along the residential street at around 6pm on a summer evening when he was pushed to the ground. He was then cut to the head several times with a flick knife, leaving him seriously injured.
The assault took place in a residential area and has been described as a savage attack. The victim has been recovering from his injuries ever since, and officers have stressed that he continues to receive treatment.
Taylor Burns convicted and jailed
While Nazir remains at large, another man has already been brought to justice for his part in the attack. Taylor Burns, 26, pleaded guilty to section 18 wounding with intent and possession of a knife.
He was subsequently jailed for six and a half years. It is believed that Nazir and Burns pulled up in the road together before launching the attack on the victim.
What is section 18 wounding?
Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 is one of the most serious assault offences in English law. It applies when someone intentionally wounds or causes grievous bodily harm, with the specific intention of causing serious harm.
The maximum penalty for section 18 wounding is life imprisonment. The fact that Burns received a six-and-a-half-year sentence reflects the severity of the injuries inflicted and the deliberate nature of the attack.
Police are still searching
Since the attack, Nazir has managed to avoid capture. He fled the scene and has not been seen by police since. In March, Detective Sergeant Ian Leech issued a public appeal for information, saying: “The victim of this awful attack continues to recover from his injuries. It’s important that we speak to Nazir in connection with this incident. I would appeal to anyone who has any information on where Nazir is to get in touch.”
Despite the appeal, Nazir has not been found. Officers continue to follow up on any new lines of enquiry, but his current whereabouts are still unknown.
£5,000 reward on offer
Crimestoppers, an independent charity that allows people to report crime anonymously, has put up a £5,000 reward for information leading to Nazir’s arrest. The reward has been available since the early stages of the investigation and remains in place.
Alan Edwards, West Midlands Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: “A violent crime has left a man seriously injured and Jafir Nazir remains wanted in connection with this horrific attack. We know some people may find it hard to speak directly to police, and that’s why Crimestoppers offers a completely anonymous alternative way to share what you know. You can tell us what you know, without ever giving your name or any personal details. We’ll pass on your information so Nazir can be found and brought to justice.”
How to report information
Anyone who knows where Jafir Nazir is, or has any information about the attack, is urged to contact West Midlands Police. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously to ensure their identity remains hidden.
Even the smallest piece of information could be crucial in helping officers locate Nazir and bring him before the court. The investigation is still active, and police are determined to see the suspect captured.
The victim, meanwhile, continues to recover from the awful injuries sustained in the attack. With Nazir still at large, the case remains open and police are working to bring him to justice.
