Two men have been charged with murdering a businessman and father of four during a robbery.

Newham Recorder: Police and forensic officers at Direct Source 3 Ltd warehouse on Rea Street South where Mr Javeed was fatally wounded. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA WirePolice and forensic officers at Direct Source 3 Ltd warehouse on Rea Street South where Mr Javeed was fatally wounded. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

Surjat Mistry, 26, of Laundon Way, Leicester, and student Lemar Wali, 18, of Osmaston Park Road, Derby, were both charged yesterday with murdering Akhtar Javeed, of Central Park Road, East Ham.

They also face a charge of possessing a firearm and conspiracy to commit robbery. The pair will appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court today.

A 19-year-old woman from Leicester who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Mr Javeed, 56, who was praised as a “devoted husband and caring father” by his family, was shot in the neck and killed at his drink supplies business in Digbeth, Birmingham, on February 3 after masked robbers targeted the premises.

Det Ch Insp Martin Slevin, who is leading the investigation, said: “I continue to appeal to people to come forward.

“I firmly believe that someone out there may still have information that could help our investigation and I am urging them to call me or one of my team.”

Mr Javeed’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Anyone with information which may help Det Ch Insp Martin Slevin and his team of detectives should call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.