A driver who says he used his car to try to stop a woman being stabbed in the street by her stalker ex-husband has urged police to de-arrest him.
Leon McCaskre, 41, died when he was hit while killing Yasmin Chkaifi, 43, in Maida Vale, west London, on Monday.
Friends of the 26-year-old driver, a Chechen electrician who was arrested on suspicion of murder after he drove his Renault Clio into Mccaskie to try to stop the carnage, said he has been 'living a nightmare' ever since.
"i do not see why i, as the person who tried to assist in the defence of other human beings, remain arrested and on bail under suspicion of murder," the driver, abraham said.
"i am deeply sorry that the man i tried to stop from attacking other people has died.
It emerged on Wednesday, that a warrant for McCaskre's arrest had been issued on 4 January, which said he should be held without bail, after he failed to appear in court.
Tributes have been paid to Ms Chkaifi, who was a qualified childminder, had worked in a school and was studying for a master's degree.
Miss Chkaifi's relatives place flowers at the scene of the killing in Maida Vale, West London, on Tuesday
He's stolen my mail, my phone, has access to all my personal data.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct watchdog is now deciding if it will open an investigation into Scotland Yard's handling of the case after the force referred itself.
The Met had already confirmed that the stalking order had been obtained against McCaskre.
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Yasmin Wafah Chkaifi (left), 43, died after the horrific attack by Leon Mccaskie (right), 41, in Maida Vale, West London
More than 26,000 people have signed a petition calling for the driver not to face criminal charges and describing him as a hero.
Two families are bereaved and looking for answers.
My instant thought was to protect the woman who was being stabbed and the public who were also being threatened.
The vehicles ahead of me moved off which gave me the opportunity to intervene.
More than 30,000 people have signed a petition calling for the driver not to face criminal charges over Monday's incident
i drove my vehicle towards the attacker in order to get him away from the woman he was attacking.
I did not intend to harm the attacker, only intended to protect those being attacked."
he added : "i have since learned that both the young lady and the attacker have died.
'it was never my intention to harm him."
Police officers and emergency services cordon off the scene in Maida Vale, West London, on Monday
“ I 've asked my solicitor to contact the Metropolitan police to request that they consider de-arresting me and begin treating me as a witness to a tragic event rather than as a criminal.
he saw a woman being attacked and he tried to do the best thing he could to help her.
it's in shock about what happened.
he would not go away when somebody needs help.
Forensic officers stand near a blue Renault Clio as they carry out investigations in Maida Vale, West London, on Monday
the 26-year-old driver of the car involved in the incident has been released on bail until late february while evidence.
Adele-Sara Richards, who knew her as Yaz, said that in April 2020 Chkaifi messaged her to say : "He's had cameras in my house recording me for months.
Speaking to a friend two years ago, she reportedly said : "I think he will kill me."
One of Chkaifi's sons told MailOnline she had been continually harassed by her ex-husband, who he said had made her life "hell".
Family members paid tribute to Miss Chkaifi, who was also known as Wafat, in a statement on Facebook.
The family of a mother stabbed to death in broad daylight has said the driver who allegedly killed her attacker is a "hero" who deserves an honour from the Queen.
But at the scene of the deaths, family of Ms Chkaifi said they were "proud" of the driver – and suggested he should receive a medal.
"The driver witnessed it happen and tried to stop him," they said.
Mohammed Akunjee, lawyer for the Maida Vale driver who is an electrician known only as 'Abraham', gives a statement today
Thank you for risking his life."
Ms Chkaifi, the mother of two teenage sons, was attacked by her ex-husband, whom she had divorced two years ago after three years of marriage, her family said.
Childhood friend Deon Nelson-Wright said Ms Chkaifi had a restraining order against her ex and a panic alarm installed in her home.
i knew this was going to happen, i just knew.
“ It was her ex-husband.
I could see the blood and black and blue on his legs.
"from upstairs you can see very clearly; i saw the guy stabbing a woman in the neck," she said.
"It was a very bad experience for me because it was the first time I 've seen anything like that.
"We appreciate the support we have received from the public.
"A number of people have already come forward, but we are still asking for anyone who has not to make contact with us.
The motorist drove his blue Renault Clio into McCaskre, killing him.
He urged the police to treat him as witness rather than a suspect.
Members of Chkaifi's family have also reportedly praised him for his attempt to save her life.
A neighbour who said she used to hear McCaskre beating Chkaifi in the flat they used to share together also praised the driver.
He didn't know it was too late."
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