A COMMUNITY paid a moving tribute to a hero murdered after chasing two muggers. Sukhwinder Singh, 31, was stabbed in Uphall Road, Ilford, at the junction with Victoria Road, Barking, on January 8.
He acted after hearing the cries of a 28-year-old woman, whose handbag was snatched outside Barking Tube station.He caught up with the thugs and suffered a stab wound to the heart during a scuffle.
Britain pas tribute to sikh hero Sukhwinder Singh
Around a hundred people on Saturday attended a candlelit vigil at the scene to pay homage to Mr Singh, described as a dedicated Sikh. They braved wind and rain to attend the roadside gathering where they offered prayers.
Verses from Sikh holy scriptures were recited and guests read messages of support for Mr Singh’s family.Mr Singh came to England 10 years ago to earn money for his family in India.
He leaves a wife and son, whom he was shortly due to meet for the first time. Vigil organiser and close pal Upkar Singh – a representative of the British Sikh Council – said he had received nationwide calls to hold the tribute.
He said: “Sukhwinder’s death has touched a lot of people.” Community campaigner and vice-chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association Wilson Chowdhry also paid homage to the brave builder, who lived in Harts Lane, Barking.
Mr Chowdhry said: “Sukhwinder, in a selfless act of love, sacrificed his life while protecting a more vulnerable local citizen.”
Fellow mourner Gurtej Bance, a paramedic in East London, said he had seen a big increase in stabbings recently. He added: “It’s very worrying – something needs to be done before more people lose their lives.”
A memorial service for Mr Singh will be held at the Barking Gurdwara, North Street, from 6pm to midnight on January 30. His body will be flown to India later this month. To leave a tribute, visit www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk
