While plans are in the works for a permanent tribute, a roadside memorial for the Muslim family killed in an alleged hate-motivated attack in northwest London is being cleaned up.
Representatives of the Afzaal family, London Muslim Mosque, and city staff gathered at the site of the deadly hit-and-run at the corner of Hyde Park and South Carriage Roads on Wednesday to begin the process of removing items left by the community.
Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna Afzaal and 9-year-old son Fayez Salman, and Salman Afzaal’s 74-year-old mother Talat Afzaal were out for an evening walk on June 6 when a pickup truck mounted the curb at the intersection and hit them before speeding off. Fayez Salman was the lone survivor of the attack.
In the weeks that followed, countless flowers, candles, stuffed animals, and handwritten sympathy notes were left at the site.
"The toys, keepsakes and mementos will be kept and presented to the family," the city said in a statement. "Flower and plant materials will be sorted and will be composted. It will be kept separately and also presented to the family for a future use. Of the remaining materials, as much as possible will be recycled."
The city added that if flowers and other items continue to be placed at the corner in tribute to the family, the same level of care and respect will be shown when they are removed.
Discussions are underway between Afzaal family representatives and community partners about a permanent way to honour the victims of the attack. However, the work will move at a pace set by the family, the city said.
London police have said there is evidence the killings were a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate.
Nathaniel Veltman, 20, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 29.
