POLICE will be in Acton High Street from noon today (2) handing out leaflets and appealing for information into the murder of Rajesh Verma.

Rajesh, a father of two known as ‘Raj’, was assaulted by a group of up to eight men close to the entrance of Acton Park, opposite Birkbeck Grove, in August 2003.

As a result of the attack, which involved a set of garden shears found nearby, Raj, 42 at the time, suffered severe brain damage.

No suspect was arrested or charged at the time.

Raj was left with a number of health issues, due to the damage caused to his brain by a stab wound to his head.

In 2015, he had a major heart attack, which resulted in a lack of oxygen to his brain that further complicated the existing damage.

This left him unresponsive and unable to move or speak for the last 18 months of his life.

Raj also suffered from epilepsy as a result of the stab wound and broke his hip in 2017 during a fitting episode. He died in May 2018.

READ MORE: 'Nothing to suggest lockdowns in NW London'

READ MORE: Heathrow future in spotlight as lockdown eases

READ MORE: TM Lewin to close all its shops after pandemic

The case has now be classified as a murder investigation and a £20,000 reward is offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Det Chief Insp Vicky Tunstall said: “We believe Raj was attacked after he intervened in a dispute between one of his friends and another individual.

“The suspects are believed to be local to the Acton area and are likely to still be living there or have links to the area. All were described as being of East African appearance.

“I’m in no doubt that people will have chatted and boasted about it. I need your call to identify Raj’s killer.

“Raj’s family have not had any justice and we are committed to solving this murder.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call detectives on 020 8785 8099 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Raj’s wife, Roma, said the aftermath of the attack had a huge impact on the family. She said: “His assault left a huge gap in our hearts and continues to do so. His generosity and love for fellow humans did not deserve this.

“He was protective of the family but also of the vulnerable. He was a very popular man in Acton. Hundreds paid their respects at his funeral.”