Barkerend stabbing: Family tribute to Luqman Ishfaq

West Yorkshire Police has officially named the victim of a fatal stabbing in Barlow Street, Barkerend, as Luqman Ishfaq.

The 23-year-old died in hospital after the incident at 10.29pm on Monday.

Luqman's family has paid tribute to him, saying: "Luqman was a much-loved son, brother and friend to so many.    

"He was a kind-hearted and loyal man, and the pain we feel from this loss is immeasurable.    

"As a family, we are all truly devastated that he has been so cruelly taken from us."

Luqman Ishfaq, 23, died on Monday after being stabbed (Image: West Yorkshire Police) Police cordons have been in place across various streets in the Barkerend area since the stabbing, with forensic officers combing them as part of the investigation. On Wednesday morning, officers could be seen carrying out searches, sifting through the contents of wheelie bins.

The force has today revealed details that have emerged about the incident so far.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Prior to the stabbing, we have established that an incident of violent disorder took place on Barkerend Road involving a VW Golf which was occupied by Mr Ishfaq.  

"The four occupants of the Golf then fled the vehicle and were chased by a group of males, some of them were armed with weapons.   

"Luqman Ishfaq was beaten and stabbed on Barlow Street, the suspects then fled the scene."

Officers searching through bins on Wednesday morning (Image: T&A) Four vehicles have been recovered from the scene for forensic examination.    

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson of the Homicide and Major Enquiry team said: "This is a serious and appalling crime in which Mr Ishfaq was chased and set upon by a group of males in the street.   

"We are carrying out extensive enquiries including house-to-house, CCTV and forensics.  

"Whilst the motive remains unclear we believe there had been some sort of dispute prior to this incident.  

"There were a number of people in the area who witnessed this incident and who were involved.   

"I would directly appeal to those who were involved in any part of the disorder to come forward to police. 

"His family are truly devastated by this and are being supported by specially trained officers.   

"We are working with the local neighbourhood policing team and patrols have been stepped up in the area to provide reassurance.   

"Violence has no place on our streets, and we will not hesitate to send a strong message to get the people involved charged and before the courts."

The police scene in Barkerend Road (Image: T&A)

A number of scenes remain in place this morning including on Back Heath Terrace, Upper Rushton Road, Barlow Street, Barkerend Road, Harewood Street and Gladstone Street.    

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious on Monday evening in any of these areas is asked to contact police via 101 or using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote crime reference number: 13240574802.

Information can always be given anonymously via Crimestoppers online, or on: 0800 555 111.