A disabled father was killed when three men in a car rammed his electric wheelchair and set upon him with a Rambo knife in a street in east London, a witness said.
Jade Anthony Barnet, 38, died after being attacked in the street near his home in Clapton, east London, on Wednesday afternoon.
His mother described him as a “wonderful man who wouldn’t hurt a fly”, who has a daughter, “loved life”, and had “bounced back” after losing a leg in a motorcycle accident in his teens.
She told the Standard that she had no idea how anyone could attack the Arsenal fan in his wheelchair. He was attacked within a couple of hundred metres of his family home in Clapton.
Mrs Barnett, who is in her 60s, said: “He was loved by everyone around here. He was a joy, he loved life. He wouldn’t hurt a fly and would never get involved in a fight. How anyone could attack him in a wheelchair I don’t know. We want answers.”
She added: “He had bounced back after being down following his motorcycle accident. He moved back home and was on the up. He was looking forward to his future and he has been taken from us.”
Witness Darren Thomas, 47, described how three men in a car drove into the victim’s wheelchair and when he fell to the ground they set upon him with a Rambo knife.
He said: “I heard a bang and saw the car had hit the wheelchair. They rammed it again and he fell out. There were three in the car, two jumped out for the stabbing. They were guys, their faces weren’t covered. They were in a silver Honda like car. After it happened he was screaming - it was horrible to hear. People were running around shouting ‘he’s been stabbed, he’s been stabbed’.
“It happened outside the community boxing club where he hangs out. I’ve known him years, a nice guy. Whatever it was over who attacks someone in a wheelchair? It’s just terrible.”
Two men, aged 21 and 28, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at 3.38pm on Wednesday to reports of a fight in Rushmore Road, Clapton, Hackney, and found Mr Barnett, with a stab injury.
He was treated by London Ambulance Service paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene.Forensics experts have been combing the crime scene for clues.
Officers are trawling through CCTV footage while detectives are carrying out door to door inquiries.
Mr Barnett’s sister, Simone, who is at the family home comforting her mother, said: “He was loved by everyone around here. He was a wonderful brother.”
A local shopkeeper said: “The victim was my customer, he was always respectful and lovely to everyone, we are really shocked.”
Road closures remain in place around the area as inquiries continue.
The arrested pair, who have also been held for failing to stop for police, remain in custody at an east London police station.
Mr Barnett has been described as "cheerful and caring" by his sister, who said “he never took nothing too seriously, he laughed everything off".
He used to live in Clapton with his mother but his friends said he had moved to the Stratford area.
Friends said he lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2007.
Ms Barnett said: "He comes around here (Clapton) all the time, everyone knew my brother - young, old, mothers, fathers, everybody knew my brother.
"Everybody is family, he's just that character."
A woman who was also at the cordon and who did not want to be named, said: "He was always funny, making jokes, friendly with everybody, always had a smile on his face, and always pleasant.
"There's not a bad thing I could say about him. I know him from long time, he's a nice guy, very nice guy, always see him, he's always pleasant.
"You never expect (an incident like this) at all, to be honest, but to him, least of all - he's just nice, always, always a pleasure to see him, he's upbeat."
A man who knew Mr Barnett, but also did not want to be identified, said he was "a young guy, good spirit, no enemies, no guns, no crime, no gangs".
A black and grey electric wheelchair could be seen standing behind the cordon close to a forensics tent at the scene late on Wednesday evening.
The wheelchair and tent are on Overbury Street overlooked by a housing estate, with the cordon stretching on to Rushmore Road.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “My thoughts are with Jade’s loved ones as they try to come to terms with this horrific incident.
“I know the attack of a disabled man who was well known in the area will greatly concern residents. We are continuing to keep an open mind as we explore possible motives. I urge anyone who feels unsafe or has any concerns to contact us.
“Our investigation into Jade’s death is still in the early stages and my colleagues from the Specialist Crime Team are working hard to establish the circumstances of what happened yesterday afternoon.
“If anyone has any information about this tragic incident I urge them to come forward and speak to us, or you can contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously.
“A number of streets have been cordoned off and I am grateful for the patience of the local residents of Clapton.
“The public can expect to see continued and significant police activity in the local area as we continue with our rigorous investigation.”
Anyone with any information has been asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X, formerly Twitter, quoting CAD 4793/28AUG.
If you have any images or doorbell footage please visit this link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS24W88-PO1.
