Man charged for murdering shop assistant NRI Rina Panchal in Leicester

Leicester, UK, Jan 07, 2007
Sant Parkash
NRI press

NRI Rina Panchal, 26, shop assistant was stabbed to death. She was repeatedly knifed shortly after arriving at the TK Maxx store in Thurmaston, near Leicester. The attacker fled on a bicycle. The Leicester Police said Mrs Panchal, of nearby Birstall, was stabbed several times just after 8am - an hour before the store was due to open. She was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary but was pronounced dead.

The attacker, William Otim Alikori, 31, of Leicester, handed himself in to police shortly after the incident on Wednesday morning. The attacke is thought to be a cleaner at the store, is due to appear before magistrates in the city this morning.

Her husband, Jayant Panchal said, "Rina was not only my wife, she was also a very loving sister, daughter and auntie to other members of our family. She was a brave, sweet, fun-loving person. She had a bubbly personality, and apart from being my wife she was also my best friend. Everyone who came into contact with her left with a smile. She had many friends within the community and will be sadly missed by all who knew her."

Detective Superintendent Martin Morrissey, said: 'Mrs Panchal's family are understandably devastated by her death and are being supported by police family liaison officers.

TK Maxx managing director Paul Sweetenham said Mrs Panchal had been employed there since the shop opened just under a year ago. He said: "She was always cheerful and bright. Her positive and warm outlook made her a very popular colleague, and she will be deeply missed."

Vice-president Deborah Dolce added: "We are closing the store for the next few days as a mark of respect. We feel it is the right thing to do."

TK Maxx is a U.S.-owned discount clothing store with almost 200 stores across the UK and Ireland. It specialises in selling cut-price designer clothing, furnishings and footwear.

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