‘Devastated’ family of man killed in Barnet appeal for public help

The devastated family of a man stabbed to death in north London have appealed for the public’s help to find those responsible as police released CCTV.

Olsi Kuka, 30, was found by police with stab wounds in a flat on Whetstone’s High Road in Barnet shortly before 3am on Wednesday 11 May. He died of his injuries at the scene a short time later.

On Thursday, police released CCTV images of two cars and a group of people they need to find, as Kuka’s father Mehdi said the family were “devastated” by the loss of their “beloved” son.

“We, as a family, are devastated by the loss of our beloved Olsi. He was a loving, hardworking and very friendly son and he never hurt anyone and was so humble,” he said.

“We are appealing to the public to help the police catch those responsible for his murder.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson, from Specialist Crime Command, said there were people at the time of the stabbing who police needed to speak to, urging them to come forward.

“Olsi’s family deserves answers. We’ll get those answers — it’s just a matter of time.”

A 35-year-old man who was initially arrested was later released with no further action taken against him.

On Saturday, police arrested two men – aged 23 and 25 – and a 24-year-old woman on suspicion of murder.

The men were later charged with murder, while the woman was released on bail at a hearing in mid-June.

Superintendent Ray Keating, from the police unit covering Barnet, offered his condolences to Olsi’s family and friends and said the community would continue to see a “visible” police presence in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8358 0200 or the non-emergency number on 101 quoting reference CAD 655/11 May. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.