Friend pays tribute to father who died after police chase
A FRIEND of the dad-of-two who died on the train tracks at Hounslow station after a police chase says his death has “left a hole in [her] heart”.
The dad, who was named locally by friends as Jef Saker, died at the station in the early hours of Tuesday April 20.
Metropolitan Police officers tried to stop the black Audi Mr Saker was in on Powder Mill Lane, in Twickenham, just after midnight on Tuesday
The driver failed to stop and there was a chase, with police pursuing the car towards Hounslow before it reportedly crashed into barriers at Hounslow station on Whitton Road.
Mr Saker then got out of the car and ran onto the railway line before he was found dead by police officers.
Destiny Antonia, a close friend of Mr Saker’s for five years, is struggling to come to terms with his death.
She said: “I was very very shocked to have heard of his tragic death, It has left a hole in my heart.
“He was so lovely, down-to-earth, caring and would do anything for anyone, he will be sorely missed by everyone in the community .
Rest in eternal peace habibi [friend].”
London Ambulance Service paramedics pronounced Mr Saker dead at 12.22am.
A number of tributes have been left at the back of Hounslow station, with candles placed in the shape of a heart.
On Thursday morning, there were tealight candles placed in the shape of letters reading: “R.I.P Jef”
One tribute read: “My Old G Habibi, Rest in paradise, Fly high big man.”
Another wrote: “Rest up in peace. We will miss you dearly. You’re the kindest person I was to ever meet. Fly High G!” The tribute stand was adorned by flowers and balloons while banners on the railway barriers read: “Missing you already.”
The Met’s Directorate of Professional
Standards has launched an investigation of the incident.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating Mr Saker’s death and his relatives have been notified.
IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem said: “My thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, and those officers involved in this tragic incident.
“We are making contact with the man’s family to provide them with support and to explain our role investigating the circumstances leading up to his death.”
He added: “We sent our investigators to the scene and to the postincident procedures to begin gathering evidence.
“When someone dies following police contact, it is mandatory for forces to make a referral to the IOPC. Our role is to establish the circumstances of the incident and this work is already under way.”