A Seven Kings man stabbed to death by a masked carjacker was an “absolute genius of a mechanic”, according to a trader he dealt with for several years.

Harjinder Singh Bhurji, of Highbury Gardens was pronounced dead in the early hours of Tuesday morning after suffering a chest wound.

The 32-year-old was attacked in Stoneleigh Road, Clayhall, near St John Vianney Catholic Church as he chatted to a female friend in his black Mercedes.

Traders paid tribute to Mr Bhurji who ran R&J Motors in Farnham Road, Seven Kings, with his father Bhupinder.

Baldev Chopra, owner of next-door business Ilford Panel Craft who knew Mr Bhurji for more than eight years, said: “He was an absolute genius of a mechanic and he helped me in many ways.

“He was the nucleus of the business, the main man, and we got on well.

“He was a gentle person and wouldn’t hurt anybody and I just can’t understand why this has happened.”

Miah Dudu of Essex Linen Services added: “He was a very good mechanic and a nice person.”

Police are still appealing for information from anyone who saw Mr Bhurji’s Mercedes, a CLK coupe, registration R4 JXW on the night of the attack.

It was found abandoned at 2.45am in Forest Glade, Chingford.

If you have any details contact 020 8345 1570 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111