Family in appeal over murdered Sheffield pizza delivery man

Speaking from their family home in Sri Lanka, the family of Thavisha Lakindu Peiris, 25, who was found dead in his car on Sunday night, said they had been left heartbroken by his death.

Mr Peiris was completing his last shift as a delivery man for Domino’s Pizza in the city’s Halifax Road branch when he was killed and had been making his last ever delivery before starting his new job as an IT consultant.

More than 50 detectives and other specialist staff are involved in South Yorkshire Police’s investigation to find the killers of the former Sheffield Hallam University software engineering student.

Mr Pereis’ father, Sarath Mahinda Peiris, and mother Sudarma Narangoda, said: “We were devastated and shocked to hear of our son’s tragic end and we are still unable to comprehend that he is actually gone.

“Thavisha was one of the most caring and loving sons a parent could have. He was full of life and always had a smile on his face. Anyone who met him immediately liked him.

“He was a deeply religious boy who would not even harm an ant. We sent our son to the UK to study so he can have a better life. Now we are left with only a broken heart.

“We urge anyone who knows anything about our son’s tragic death to come forward to help bring whoever is responsible to justice. Please help the police stop another father or mother feel the tragic loss that we are feeling.”

Mr Pereis, who had moved to Sheffield from Sri Lanka in 2011 to further his education, died from fatal stab wounds in what detectives believe was a random attack.

He was found dead on Sunday evening slumped in his silver Toyota Yaris car in Southey Crescent in Sheffield.

His older brother Pramod Chetheka Peiris said: “I am heartbroken. My brother Thavisha was the centre of our world.

“He gave us so many reasons to smile. He was kind and considerate and we were extremely proud of his achievements.

“We were so happy that he was doing so well in England. We never thought his life was in any danger. I can’t believe he was taken away from us in this cruel and inhuman manner.

“Please, if anyone saw or heard anything that could help us catch these murderers, we beg that you step forward to help find my brother’s killers.”

The family are understood to be making plans to travel to the UK in the coming days.

As part of the investigation, a forensic examination is being carried out of Mr Pereis’ car and house to house enquiriesare taking place in the area of Southey Crescent.

Anyone with any information that could lead to finding Mr Peiris’s killer should call South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 1253 of 27 October 2013.