A shop owner stabbed to death during a “vicious” robbery has been named.

Ravi Katharkamar, 54, died from a stab wound to his chest at a newsagent in Marsh Road, Pinner, at around 6am on Sunday (March 24).

Formal identification of his body was made by his next of kin at Northwick Park Mortuary yesterday.

Mr Katharkamar was found by a member of the public stabbed inside the shop. It is believed the victim was opening the shop at the time of the attack.

The London Ambulance Service was summoned but he was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.46am.

A till was stolen from the shop during the robbery.

A black Vauxhall Astra was seen driving away at speed, south down Cecil Park.

Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation. No arrests have been made.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Stancombe said: “This was a vicious and unwarranted attack on a completely innocent man. Ravi's attacker got away with a few pounds, but he leaves behind a family utterly devastated and a close-knit community asking who could do such a thing.

"Help me catch the man who did this. The attacker fled with a shop till - have you found this discarded or seen someone in possession of a shop till who wouldn't normally have one? Do you know someone trying to use lots of loose change since yesterday morning?

"I am also keen to hear from anyone who has information about a black Vauxhall Astra that the attacker used to flee the scene.

"This was parked in Cecil Park prior to the murder and was driven off at speed, south down Cecil Park immediately after the attack. If you saw this car, or have seen a black Vauxhall Astra abandoned, please contact my team."

Officers remain in the area and are available should residents have concerns or information they wish to pass on.

Anyone with information can also contact the incident room number on 0208 358 0200, via 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD1653/24Mar.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.