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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
James Liddell

'Lovely' dad murdered by raiders at home as he tried to protect wife and three kids

A father-of-three was stabbed to death as he tried to protect his wife and children after attackers stormed into his home and threatened his family.

Khalfan, known as Bafan, 33, was found in critical condition after police were called on Saturday night on Springdale Avenue, Thornton Lodge, Huddersfield.

He was rushed to hospital and eyewitnesses reported he was praying and saying “Allahu Akbar” - meaning God is Great - as he was taken into an ambulance.

Khalfan fought his life for 18 hours before he passed away on Sunday with his wife by his side.

CSI teams were seen scouring the area near the home for evidence (Yorkshire Live/MEN Media)

A GoFundMe campaign raising money for Khalfan’s funeral revealed details of the attack.

It said: “Random men came into Khalfan's family home, threatened his wife and children then brutally stabbed him when he attempted to remove the men from his home.”

Another post on the page said: "Khalfan peacefully passed away on January 15, with his wife by his side.

“He leaves behind his wife Louise and three sons, Khalif, seven, Farid, three and Abdullah, four months old. I've made this page in hopes to raise funds for the cost of his funeral.”

West Yorkshire Police are leading the murdering investigation (Yorkshire Live/MEN Media)

Detectives from West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are leading the investigation into his murder - no arrests have yet been made.

A friend of Khalfan told YorkshireLive: "He was a lovely African, Muslim guy who everyone knew as 'Bafan' and who had three children, the youngest of whom was four months old. It's terrible what has happened to him.

"He was a nice guy and I have known him since he was a kid."

Friends have been remembering Khalfan after the attack on Springdale Avenue, Thornton Lodge, Huddersfield (Yorkshire Live/MEN Media)

Another friend said: "He was from Tanzania originally and had lived here for years. He was very down-to-earth and humble and was always happy to help you out.

Another man added: "He was a very friendly guy and everyone is shocked at what has happened to him."

Ibrar Hussain of Thornton Lodge Action Group said: "It's shocking what has happened and our community is getting in the press for all the wrong reasons."

People are being left 'shocked' in the local community after the horrific events (Yorkshire Live/MEN Media)

In March 2019, the group concluded its pilot project coined Beyond the Blade which was financially supported by the Home Office, Anti Knife Crime Community Fund.

The project has supported over 95 young people with diversionary activities within six months.

Mr Hussain added: "I think more needs to be done regarding this initiative as the message isn't getting through."

Anyone who has information about the event is being urged to come forward (@ukuser1122/Twitter)

On Monday, Damian Roebuck, Detective Chief Inspector of the Homicide and Major Enquiry team said: "This is a very serious incident which has resulted in the death of a man at his home in Huddersfield.

“Extensive enquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

"Officers are also looking for any CCTV or dash cam people might have to help in the investigation."

A dad-of-three was brutally murdered after a home invasion in Huddersfield (Yorkshire Live/MEN MEDIA)

He added: "We recognise this incident will cause concern in the community, we are working closely with our colleagues in the local neighbourhood team who have stepped up patrols in the area to provide reassurance.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who was in the Thornton Lodge or Lockwood area on Saturday night and may have seen something suspicious to come forward."

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