Sukhwinder Singh chased the thieves who robbed a 28-year-old woman near Barking station in east London yesterday evening. When he caught up with the pair a fight broke out and the 31-year-old was fatally stabbed. Police are seeking two black men in their 20s or 30s and between 5ft 7in to 6ft.

Detective Inspector John Sandlin said: 'This is a tragic death of a man who was killed for attempting to stop others committing crime, and our thoughts are with Sukhwinder's family. However, I would also to reassure the wider community that tragic events such as these are very rare.

A 36-year-old resident, who asked not to be named, said the roads near the station were well-lit at night but added: 'There are quite a lot of robberies around here because it's quite secluded and there is a bridge by the station so people can run to the other side quickly.