Man arrested at airport faces 2007 murder charge

A man has been arrested at Heathrow Airport and faces a charge of murdering a man nearly two decades ago.

Atiq Rehman died after being attacked in the street in The Square in Wolverton, Milton Keynes in May 2007, and three men were jailed for his murder in 2008.

Umar Farooq, 46, of no fixed address, was detained on Tuesday under a warrant after arriving in London from Pakistan, via Uzbekistan, Thames Valley Police said.

He is due to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court later.

“The murder of Atiq Rehman in 2007 had a significant impact on communities in Milton Keynes at the time, so I understand that news of this arrest and a defendant appearing in court could be difficult for some,” said Ch Supt Emma Baillie, policing commander for Milton Keynes.

“Due to the ongoing court proceedings, we won’t be able to provide any further details on the case, this is to ensure there is a fair trial.

“However, we have strong relationships across all our communities and partners within the city and we will be reaching out to listen and support you.”

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