A man has been convicted of the murder of a father-of-three in the Southall street where Kate Middleton’s mother grew up.

Harinder Rattan, 41, died of multiple stab wounds in a revenge attack near his home, in Clarence Street, on January 4.

Sanjay Salhotra, 26, also of Clarence Street, was convicted of murder at the Old Bailey on Friday (July 31), according to a Met Police statement.

His associate, Inderjit Bhachu, 28, of the same road, had previously pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Police said he court heard that the murder was sparked by an incident which took place on December 20 2014.

During this incident, police said, Harinder Rattan was in his car when the door was opened by a man in a hooded top who struck him in the face and demanded he get out. Rattan retaliated by hitting him over the head with a crowbar until he ran off.

That man was Salhotra and his blood and DNA were found on the crowbar when it was forensically analysed following Mr Rattan’s murder, police added.

Murder victim Harinder Rattan

On the night of his death, Mr Rattan left his home at around 9.30pm to go to a local shop, according to police. It is believed Mr Rattan was attacked sometime later by Salhotra.

The victim was left lying in the road, with Salhotra initially hiding in a nearby alleyway and then going to the home of a friend, officers added, who let him in after he lied and said that he was chased by some youths.

Bhachu and Salhotra then drove to Staines, Surrey, where they set fire to Salhotra’s clothing. Bhachu changed out of the clothing he was wearing and, when detectives found those items, they said it was clear they had been washed.

Police searching the alleyway found the knife - which had been cleaned - and a pair of latex gloves with Mr Rattan's DNA on them.

Salhotra was arrested on January 5 and Bhachu was arrested the following day.

Speaking after the verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Ashwin, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC), said: “Harinder Rattan was subjected to a brutal attack for nothing other than for Sanjay Salhotra to save face. Bhachu assisted in the disposing of evidence.

“I am pleased that the jury has found the two men guilty today, and they now face considerable prison sentences. I hope that this brings some sense of justice to Harinder Rattan’s family.”

Both men will be sentenced on Thursday (August 6).

Salhotra’s brother, Shamaun Salhotra, 29, also of Clarence Street, was found not guilty of perverting the course of justice.

Bhachu was found not guilty of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent.

A 20-year-old man who was arrested on January 5 in connection with the investigation has been released without charge.