Woman killed by ex-husband in Maida Vale 'failed by Met Police'

The Metropolitan Police failed to protect a woman who was stabbed and killed in the street by her abusive ex-husband, her family has told Sky News.

Wafah Yasmin Chkaifi, 43 also known as Yasmin Chkaifi was subjected to years of abuse before being stabbed to death in Maida Vale, west London by her ex-husband Leon McCaskre on Monday 24 January.

Speaking for the first time since his wife’s death, Joseph Salmon told Sky News: “They [the Met Police] should have done a lot more.

“That’s something we need to speak about at a later date because they failed us and they know they failed us.”

‘She left home happy’

A number of witnesses tried unsuccessfully to stop McCaskre, before a driver only known as “Abraham” ran him over in a blue Renault. McCaskre was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Salmon, said on the day his wife was killed “she left home happy”.

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He added: “She left home content. She left home loved, healthy, strong, independent. She said to me ‘I love you bye’, I said to her ‘I love you too bye’. She opened the door and that was the last time she came back in.

“There’s no way of even understanding. With all the family we are just at a loss. She was such a big personality.”

Driver will face no further action

The Metropolitan Police has since confirmed that the 26-year-old driver “Abraham” will face no further action and is considered a vital witness after he was originally arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.

In a statement, the Met Police 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.”

IOPC investigating Metropolitan Police

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has confirmed that they are investigating the Metropolitan Police’s handling of Ms Chkaifi’s contact with the force prior to her death last month.

IOPC Regional Director for London Sal Naseem said: “Following an assessment of a mandatory referral from the Metropolitan Police Service, we have decided to independently investigate the contact they had with Yasmin Chkaifi prior to her tragic death in Maida Vale on Tuesday 25 January.

“We will also be looking at the police response following the issue of a warrant for the arrest of Leon McCaskre on 4 January.

“Our thoughts are with all those who knew Yasmin and we will be in contact with her family in due course to explain our role.”

At an inquest into Ms Chkaifi’s death on Tuesday, Investigating officer DCI Neil Rawlinson told the hearing: “Leon McCaskre and Yasmin Chkaifi had been in a relationship that ended several years ago. There were allegations of domestic abuse, and a stalking prevention order had been put in place against Leon.

“Leon had been arrested and charged for breaching this order, but failed to appear for his first hearing at court. A warrant was issued for his arrest on the 4 January 2022.”

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