A driver who knocked down a knifeman with his car in west London has been released without charge, police say.

Leon McCaskre died after being hit by the vehicle in Maida Vale.

The collision happened moments after McCaskre stabbed his ex-partner, Yasmin Chkaifi, to death in the street.

The driver of the car, a 26-year-old man known as Abraham, has been released with no further action, the Metropolitan Police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson said: “Having reviewed the CCTV evidence and taken statements of numerous members of the public and attending officers, as well as reviewing the legal position regarding self-defence and defence of another, a decision has been taken that the driver of the car, a 26-year-old man, will face no further police action.

“He is considered a vital witness to our investigation and will be offered support from professionals to help him come to terms with the terrifying situation he was confronted with.”

Abraham had been arrested on suspicion of murder but was later released on bail until late February.

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Last week he pleaded with the police to de-arrest him saying he “just wanted to stop him hurting anybody further” and it was “never my intention to harm” McCaskre.

McCaskre was hit by a Renault Clio and died at the scene on Chippenham Road in Maida Vale.

He had repeatedly stabbed his 43-year-old ex-partner, Chkaifi, who was also pronounced dead after the attack.

Thousands signed a petition calling for him not to face criminal charges.

“I am a person of good character, I have never been arrested before in my life,” he said in a statement tweeted by his lawyer, Mohammed Akunjee.

The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the police watchdog after it emerged an arrest warrant for McCaskre had been issued three weeks ago.

He was wanted for allegedly breaching a stalking order and not turning up for court.

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