DETECTIVES investigating the murder of an 87-year-old grandfather in Greenford are turning to the public to help find his killer.

Police were called at 4.06pm on Tuesday (16) to Runnymede Gardens, at the junction with Cayton Road, to reports of a man with stab wounds.

They gave emergency first aid until the arrival of an ambulance crew and the London Air Ambulance, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the man was pronounced dead.

He has been named as Thomas O’Halloran, who lived in the Greenford area. 

Officers believe Mr O’Halloran was stabbed in Western Avenue before managing to travel 75 yards on his mobility scooter to Runnymede Gardens, where he flagged down someone for help.

Now, detectives have released images of a man they are keen to identify. He was seen fleeing the scene with a knife.

He was wearing grey shorts, a dark coloured T-shirt, a white baseball cap and white patterned builder-style gloves.

Det Chief Insp Jim Eastwood, leading the investigation, said: “He is clearly a dangerous individual and people are advised not to approach him, but to call us immediately on 999 if they know him or have any information regarding his whereabouts.

“My team and I have been working around the clock to bring Mr O’Halloran’s killer to justice, but we need your help.

"If you have any information at all that will assist us – no matter how small – please contact us or alternatively, Crimestoppers anonymously.

“I’d also appeal to anyone who might have dashcam or cycle helmet footage that might have captured the incident to get in touch.”

Chief Supt Sean Wilson, in charge of policing for west London, including Ealing, said: “Mr O’Halloran had his life needlessly snatched away in a shocking act of unprovoked violence.

“I understand the community will, quite rightly, be shocked and appalled by this incident, as I am too.

“Mr O’Halloran was a very well-known and much-loved member of our community. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

“The public will see extra officers patrolling the area over the coming days. They are there to help and protect you – so, if you have any concerns or information that you want to share, then please approach them.

“I realise the impact incidents like this have on our communities, but I’d like to reassure you we are doing all we can to solve the horrendous crimes we’ve seen across London over the last few days.

“I stress that London remains one of the safest cities in the world, but we need your help."

Anyone with footage of the incident is asked to upload it using this online form.

Anyone who knows the man in the image, or has information about the murder, is asked to call the incident room on 020 8358 0300 quoting 4691/16AUG.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.