Wembley ice cream seller stabbed to death

Download IPFS

Police have identified the victim of a fatal stabbing in north-west London as 41-year-old Shazad Khan, a well-known local ice cream seller. The killing has shocked the community and prompted a major police investigation.

Mr Khan was attacked in Monks Park, Wembley, on Tuesday evening at around 6:10 pm. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder early Wednesday morning and remains in custody. A 31-year-old woman, detained at the scene on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, is also being held. Both individuals remain under investigation as enquiries continue.

Detectives confirmed that officers had been called following reports of an altercation and discovered Mr Khan critically injured. His family is receiving support from specialist officers.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, local policing commander for north-west London, said:

“Our thoughts remain with Shazad’s family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. This incident will rightly cause concern across the community, but intelligence at this stage leads us to believe there is no wider threat to the public. Detectives are conducting a thorough and fast-paced investigation, and locals can expect to see an increased police presence in the area.”

He urged anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage from the time of the incident to come forward without delay.

Residents described Mr Khan as a friendly and popular figure who became known locally for selling ice cream from his van. Asim Mahmood Butt, 39, a childhood friend of the victim, told reporters:

“This guy, we know him, he’s a famous ice cream guy. He got stabbed yesterday. I came here, and his body was still here, and the police had cordoned off the area. We don’t know the reason why. All that we know is that something terrible happened to him.”

He added that Mr Khan was married and had a young daughter. “I know his brothers as well; they’re all local. We all used to play cricket and football here in Monks Park. He started selling ice cream about a year ago.”

Another witness, who did not wish to be named, said Mr Khan’s ice cream van, recognised in the neighbourhood for a teddy bear fixed to its front, was towed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The killing has left residents shocked, with many expressing grief that violence had claimed the life of someone regarded as a familiar and well-liked neighbour. Police continue to appeal for information as they piece together the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Officers are expected to remain in the Wembley area in the coming days as the investigation progresses.