Knife Thugs Locked Up After Daylight Attack in West London
Two young men have been jailed for a brutal daylight stabbing linked to gang violence in West London. Hanif El-Hafedi, 19, from Hendon, and Joshua Lenga, 20, from Westminster, both pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent at Southwark Crown Court.
Sentenced for Brutal Knife Attack
- Hanif El-Hafedi – 5 years behind bars
- Joshua Lenga – 4 years and 6 months locked up
The pair took a taxi to Shirland Road, W9, on Thursday, 8 April at around 5:20pm, armed with large knives. They entered the Amberley Estate and targeted a 27-year-old man they believed was part of a rival gang.
El-Hafedi and Lenga launched a savage attack, stabbing the victim in the shoulder and back. A group of bystanders chased them back to their waiting taxi, forcing them to flee the scene.
Thrown Knives and CCTV Snare the Duo
During the pursuit, one knife was discarded and later handed to police. The victim received hospital treatment and was discharged. A hotel room in Bayswater linked to the suspects yielded a second knife during a search.
Detectives gathered overwhelming evidence including CCTV footage, forensic findings, and witness statements. Both men were swiftly arrested in the days following the attack.
“This was a violent and senseless attack that could have had much more serious consequences,” said Detective Constable Louis Prior, Central West Command Unit. “The disregard both El-Hafedi and Lenga displayed in carrying out this attack in broad daylight is staggering. They wrongly believed they would get away with it.”
“Thanks to a strong investigation, they had no choice but to admit their guilt in court.”
