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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Jacob Phillips and Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Families' heartbreak as two Londoners confirmed to have been found dead in burnt out car in Sweden

Two men found dead inside a burnt-out car in Sweden have been named as travel agents from north London - as their families paid tribute to them.

Juan Cifuentes and Farooq Abdulrazak were reported missing by their families after they failed to return from a business trip to Scandinavia.

Their remains have now been identified by Swedish prosecutors, a month after they were discovered on July 14.

Prosecutor Magnus Petterson told Sky News that a "large murder investigation" remains in place, as well as a public appeal for information related to the case.

The men’s families paid tribute to them on Wednesday as “two beautiful, innocent, hard-working souls”.

In a statement released through the Met police, Mr Cifuentes’ family described him as “a beloved father, son, brother, and friend”.

Farooq Abdulrazak (left) and Juan Cifuentes (Supplied)

“Juan was a devout Muslim, he was a pillar of strength and compassion, always present for those in need, regardless of their faith,” they said.

“His legacy lives on in his children, who embody the love and values he instilled in them.

“A brilliant footballer and hardworking man, he united people from all walks of life, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met. His memory will forever inspire us.”

Mr Abdulrazak is remembered as a “dearest son, heart-warming brother, loving husband, bestest uncle and dearest friend”.

“We are sincerely devastated, broken in many ways words cannot describe,” said his family.

“Our loss has not only shattered our family and friends but has also impacted our local community deeply.

Farooq Abdulrazak (Met police)

“Farooq is a beautiful, selfless, humble soul, someone always willing to help others. A huge pillar in our family and community, he is our sunshine who spread his positivity and brightness wherever he went. He brought people of all ages together and will be sorely missed by everyone.

“There was never a day that goes by where he didn’t help someone through a kind act, generous words, support with a good cause or being hospitable. He is an amazing son, husband, brother, uncle and friend who provided security, comfort, and love, and always bought laughter and light upon everyone.”

Met police Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee said the force is supporting Swedish police “as they investigate this incredibly tragic and complex incident”.

“Juan and Farooq’s families are suffering profoundly and we sincerely hope they are provided with much needed answers to the many questions they have about what happened to their loved ones,” she said.

“Police in Sweden continue to follow a number of lines of enquiry, we understand that no arrests have been made at this time.”

Earlier on Wednesday, prosecutor Magnus Petterson told Sky News police were “trying to figure out exactly what happened on the spot, why the British nationals were in Malmo and what happened after”.

Juan Cifuentes (Met police)

He said officers were examining “a very large amount of digital evidence”, including from mobile phones and CCTV cameras.

The bodies, reported to have gunshot wounds, were found inside a car that is believed to have been hired by the two men.

They were discovered by firefighters who were scrambled to the scene of a blaze on a dirt road in the Fosie industrial estate, in the coastal city of Malmö.

An urgent social media appeal was posted shortly after the incident revealing Mr Cifuentes, 33, and Mr Abdulrazak, 27, both from Finchley, had gone missing.

It is believed the two men flew to Denmark and rented a car at Copenhagen Kastrup airport before driving across over the Oresund Bridge to Sweden where their burnt-out car was found.

Earlier Rickard Lundqvist, press spokesperson for police region South, confirmed that there was an investigation - but said there was no suspect at present.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the families of two British men reported missing in Sweden and are in touch with the local authorities.” 

A spokesperson from the Swedish police previously said: “The incident is currently being investigated as a murder.

“Several witnesses have been interviewed and the police are interested in further observations and tips.”

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