“We will not tolerate knife crime,” say police after two men are convicted of the murder of a 24-year-old in Slough.

Mohammed Rafaqit Kayani died from a fatal stab wound to the chest during an incident in Keel Drive on August 30, 2021.

Riaz Miah, 21, of no fixed abode, and Hassan Al-Kubanji, 21, of Peabody Avenue, London, were yesterday (March 9)  found guilty of murdering Mohammed Rafaqit Kayani who died from a fatal stab wound to the chest during an incident in Keel Drive on August 30, 2021.

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A brawl broke out in the court room after the verdicts were read out leading to police blocking off the entrance to the building for almost an hour while the jury were safely escorted from the building.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Dejan Avramovic, of the major crime unit, said: “I hope that the conviction will in some way help Rafaqit’s family and our thoughts still very much remain with them.

“This conviction provides a clear message that we will not tolerate knife crime in Slough or anywhere else in the Thames Valley.”

Local policing area commander for Slough, Superintendent Lee Barnham, said: “First and foremost, my condolences go out to Rafaqit Kayani's loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

READ MORE: Two men found guilty of murdering 24-year-old Slough man

“This conviction shows our determination to bring those involved in knife crime to justice. We will not tolerate the carrying of weapons in Slough nor the use of them to cause harm.

“Police, partners and the public need to work as one to tackle knife crime and violence across Slough, which I understand there are serious concerns about.

“While we have always taken a robust approach to the possession of weapons in Slough, we are dedicating even more officers to seeking out those who think it is acceptable to be in possession of them, particularly knives.

“The force will not tolerate the possession of or the use of weapons and our message is clear: you will be stopped, arrested, charged and prosecuted if you do so.

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“Our communities play a vital role in our efforts to proactively tackle violence within Slough. We need information about people carrying knives in the area. If anyone has information about knives or violence in Slough, please report it to us by calling 101 or by making a report on our website.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”