A pensioner has died after he was robbed while taking money out of a cash machine at a post office in north London.
Detectives have launched a murder investigation after Jalal Shah, 76, was ambushed in Enfield on October 30.
He suffered a head injury in the incident and then died in hospital on Wednesday, November 19.
The post office where the assault is said to have occurred – on High Street, Ponders End – is just yards from his terraced home.
A police statement said: ‘The Metropolitan Police was called to High Street on Ponders End just after 11am on October 30 to reports of a robbery and assault.
‘Officers discovered 76-year-old Jalal Khan with head injuries.
‘He was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service in a life-threatening condition.
‘He died in hospital on 19 November.
‘His family are being supported by specialist officers and have asked for privacy at this difficult time.’
Friends and neighbours of Jalal described him as a ‘lovely, kind-hearted, peaceful gentleman’ who was a regular at the local mosque.
Rasel Alam, owner of the Enfield Food Hall, told Metro: ‘He was the kindest most peaceful gentleman you could ever meet.
‘He was always smiling and was a well known and respected member of the community. We are all heartbroken. He was a regular at the mosque and a friend to everyone. We will miss him.’
A neighbour said: ‘He was a kind old gentleman he was the perfect neighbour. To think that can happen so close to his home is tragic.’
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A post office worker described how Jalal had been taking money out of the cash machine outside the shop when the alleged robbery took place.
He said: ‘We would see him up and down the road all the time he had his routine. He was well known and a very kind man who never had any problems with anyone. It’s terrible that this has happened to him. It happened just outside. He hadn’t been in the shop but was taking out cash.’
Police have collected CCTV and ring doorbell footage from around the crime scene.
Jaesis Boatswain, 40, of Swan Walk in Enfield has been charged with grievous bodily harm, assault, robbery and threatening a person with a knife in connection with the incident.
He appeared at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on November 6 and was remanded into custody.
He will next appear at Wood Green Crown Court on December 10.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call police on 101 or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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