Salma Yaqoob

Apologies to those who expected to see me at Sparkbrook Ward Committee last night. I was on my way there when I received a call from the family of Sarfraz Khan.

Sarfraz was brutally assaulted in Larches Park last Friday. He was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver in an apparently random attack and was discovered by his brother. Since then he had been on a life-support machine. His family kept a constant vigil by his bedside, desperately hoping and praying he would recover.

During this time I have been trying to provide whatever modest comfort I can to them, and liaising with the police and hospital authorities on their behalf. It has been heart breaking to witness their pain as they have had to grapple with a growing realization that Sarfraz was not going to recover. By yesterday morning it was clear without any doubt that all hope of Sarfraz making a recovery was gone. The life support machine was switched off, and Sarfraz passed away.

Sadly, because of the circumstances of his death, Sarfraz won't be buried straightaway. The family now face the ongoing trauma that it may be a few more weeks before that can happen.

I strongly urge anyone who has any information relating to his murder to come forward and contact West Midlands Police.

On behalf of myself, my family, and my colleagues, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Sarfraz’s family as they come to terms with the loss of their beloved son, husband, father and brother. I have been deeply touched by their loss.
Sarfraz was the father of two young girls. He was 24 years of age. May God grant his family strength and patience through this difficult time and may Sarfraz's soul rest in peace.