Car wash stabbing horror

Karwan Hamid (26) was stunned after a row between new dad Farook Tawfiq and another man led to the car valeter being viciously assaulted.

Horrified Karwan said: “I had never witnessed this kind of thing before, it was just shocking.”

Police were still hunting 23-year-old Ahmedi Reza yesterday in connection with the attack on Saturday and appealed for the public’s help in tracking him down.

Farook, who became a father two weeks ago, was knifed in the abdomen, arm, legs and pelvis in the attack at Jacko’s car wash in the town centre at 1.45pm.

The 26-year-old, who had been working at the car wash on Old Sheffield Road for just a week, was taken to Rotherham General Hospital for treatment.

He was recovering at home yesterday as police continued their hunt for Reza, originally from Iraq, who they believe could hold vital information about the incident.

Det Con Jamie Henderson said: "We firmly believe this was a targeted attack.

“I urge anyone with information regarding Mr Reza’s whereabouts to contact police immediately.

“Just one of those stab wounds could have quite easily clipped an artery, so the victim is very fortunate to get away with his life.

“We are working very closely with the Kurdish community and are trying to get to the bottom of this.”

Karwan described how the attack had unfolded after a man drove into the car wash and began speaking to Farook.

“He came down in his car and started arguing with one of my staff,” Karwan said.

“Then he just pulled out a knife and started stabbing him. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was totally unprovoked.

“When I saw what had happened I rushed over but the man had driven off.

“I just called an ambulance and the police and tried to calm Farook down.

“I felt a bit dizzy at all the blood on the ground.”

The attacker is believed to have fled  towards Wellgate in a red BMW which has since been recovered in the Spital Hill area of Sheffield.

“Farook could have lost his life,” said Karwan. “He was in a very bad way, there was nothing anybody could have done to stop this.”

The car wash owner said that he recognised the attacker and believed that he was a member of a gang.

“He just wanted to make a big name for himself I think but Farook could have quite easily been killed because of it,” he added.

The scene was cordoned off on Saturday and police have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries this week.

Mr Reza is described as olive skinned with short dark hair, 5ft 4ins tall and thin, with a lazy eye.

He was last seen wearing dark trousers or tracksuit bottoms and a striped T-shirt.

Anyone who was at the car wash at the time of the incident or who may have information about Mr Reza’s whereabouts should contact Det Con Henderson at Rotherham CID on 01709 832261.

Alternatively, you can telephone  Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.