THE detective who led a murder investigation admitted it was the most difficult case he has fought after receiving a commendation.

Detective Inspector Martin Ludlow and his team hunted down the man who killed West Hendon resident Hassan Kul Hawadleh with a stab wound to the heart on the forecourt of the Total garage, in Wealdstone, in February, 2009.

Abdul Khan fled Britain in the hours that followed, alongside two men present at the time of the murder, but DI Ludlow mobilised police in Europe to track him down and extradite him.

Khan was eventually jailed for life and will serve a minimum of 22 years but only after two court cases, one of which lasted more than three months.

DI Ludlow said: “It was the most challenging case I've ever dealt with and I don't think people appreciate the amount of work the police have to do.

“It was arduous but the aim is the same – the aim is to convict those who are guilty. It's an honour to receive the commendation on behalf of the family who are the real victims here.

“It's nice that the police who investigate these crimes are recognised because the team has worked very hard.”