Two fatal incidents in Romford and Wembley in the space of four days have left local communities shocked and seeking answers. Police say there is no indication the cases are linked.
Chadwell Heath: Zahwa Salah Mukhtar, 27
Saturday 16 August, ~5.30am — Chadwell Heath Lane (Romford)
Zahwa Salah Mukhtar, 27, was found fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene. She had been out with friends in Hackney earlier that day.
Detectives arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of murder. Three men — 21, 22 and 35 — were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All four remain in police custody.
In a tribute, Zahwa’s family described her as “a kind and loving person with high aspirations in life,” adding: “Her tragic loss has left us heartbroken… Her memory will live on in our hearts forever.”
Wembley: Shazad Khan, 41
Tuesday 19 August, ~6.10pm — Monks Park (Wembley)
Shazad Khan, 41, was found with stab wounds and died a short time later. Mr Khan — a father of one — was a well-known ice-cream seller, recognised locally by his van’s large teddy bear.
Friends and neighbours have spoken of a much-loved figure whose death has “deeply affected” the community. Police have made arrests in connection with the investigation.
‘Rightly causing concern’ — but no wider threat
Senior officers acknowledged the incidents are “rightly causing concern” and said additional patrols are in place. They emphasised there is no threat to the wider public and urged witnesses to come forward.
Appeals for information
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Chadwell Heath (Zahwa Salah Mukhtar)
Call 101 or report online quoting CAD 1625/16AUG.
Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. -
Wembley (Shazad Khan)
Call 101 or report online quoting CAD 6174/19AUG.
Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Read more from Hackney.
