Why Are Police Still Searching for Sharaz Ali Five Years After He Tried to Kill His Wife?

Police are continuing their efforts to track down Sharaz Ali, who was convicted of attempting to murder his wife following a serious knife attack in Birmingham five years ago.

Ali, who is now 45, was convicted after attacking and stabbing his wife on 10 September 2021. The incident left her seriously injured and led to a major investigation by West Midlands Police.

However, despite being convicted, Ali has remained at large because he failed to appear in court during his trial. In August 2022, when the case was heard at Birmingham Crown Court, Ali did not attend the proceedings. A bench warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.

Ali, who had been living in Stechford, Birmingham, was then tried and convicted in his absence. Police have continued searching for him ever since, but have still been unable to establish his current whereabouts.

Investigators believe Ali has previously stayed in Croydon, London, and officers have been working with other police forces to trace his movements and identify places where he may have travelled or lived.

West Midlands Police say they believe someone in Birmingham could have information that may help them locate him. Officers are appealing directly to anyone who may have seen Ali, spoken to him or knows where he is currently staying.

The continued search comes five years after the original attack and four years after Ali was convicted in his absence, with police still determined to find him and bring him into custody.

Members of the public are being warned not to approach Ali if they believe they have spotted him. Police say he should be considered a person who must be reported to authorities rather than confronted directly.

Anyone who sees Ali or knows where he may be should call 999 immediately, quoting investigation number 20/1410584/21.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Police say even information that may appear minor could help investigators establish Ali's current location and bring the long-running search to an end.