Murder victim 'named his killer'

The grandson of a murdered businessman told a court today how he blamed property developer Nicholas van Hoogstraten for his death.

Rizvan Raja, 21, said that he dashed downstairs to find his grandfather, Mohammed, stabbed by two hitmen.

"What he said was 'they are van Hoogstraten's men, they have hit me,'' Mr Raja told the Old Bailey.

The court heard how van Hoogstraten had fallen out with Mr Raja, 63, over property dealings.

He allegedly ordered his execution after he accused him of fraud.

The grandson was talking to his brother, Waheed, at the grandfather's house in Sutton when he heard a shot on 2 July 1999.

The prosecution claim hitmen Robert Knapp, 53, and David Croke, 58, disguised themselves as gardeners to carry out the hit.

Van Hoogstraten, of Framfield, East Sussex, Croke, of Bolney Road, East Moulsecoomb, Brighton, and factory worker Knapp, of Cedarville Convent Street, Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, Eire, all deny murder.

Van Hoogstraten also denies conspiring with Croke and Knapp to murder Mr Raja between 1 January 1999 and 3 July 1999. The trial continues.