East Midlands Men Charged With Businessman Murder

15 February 2016, 06:21 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Two men from the East Midlands accused of murdering a company director who was shot in the neck at his warehouse will appear in court today.

Surjat Mistry, 26, and Lemar Wali, 18, were charged with the murder of Akhtar Javeed after an extensive inquiry by West Midlands Police.

Businessman Mistry, of Laundon Way, Leicester, and Wali, a student from Osmaston Park Road, Derby, also face allegations of possessing a firearm and conspiracy to rob.

Detectives believe Mr Javeed, 56, was shot as he attempted to fight off masked men during an attempted robbery at his drinks firm in Digbeth, Birmingham, on February 3.

Mistry and Wali were arrested on Thursday and Friday along with a 19-year-old woman who was held on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The woman has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Slevin, who is leading the investigation, said: ``I continue to appeal to people to come forward.

``I firmly believe that someone out there may still have information that could help our investigation and I am urging them to call me or one of my team.''

Mr Javeed, who lived in east London, was among five staff members who were tied up at his business premises in Rea Street South, Digbeth.

Detectives have seized a silver Renault Megane and have appealed for information about a car seen leaving Rea Street South with its lights off shortly after the shooting.

Mistry and Wali will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court.