An ice-cream seller was fatally stabbed in a brutal, daylight assault on a residential street in Wembley, a court has heard.
Victim Named: Ice-Cream Seller Shazad Khan
Shazad Khan, 41, was working from his van in Monks Park, Wembley, around 6pm on Tuesday, August 19, when 26-year-old Zaher Zaarour allegedly launched the deadly attack.
Prosecutor Jacob Hallam KC told the Old Bailey that Mr Khan briefly spoke with Zaarour before moving away. But moments later, the defendant approached him again.
As Khan turned his back to remove his apron, Zaarour reportedly pulled a knife from his trousers and plunged it into Khan’s chest.
CCTV Captures Savage Attack
Footage partially caught the assault on CCTV. Mr Hallam described the attack as “focused and intense.”
“The defendant pulled out a large knife, about 16cm long and 3cm wide. He reached around Mr Khan and stabbed him in the right side of his chest. That blow caused catastrophic injuries,” said the prosecutor.
Witnesses said Zaarour slit Khan’s throat before stabbing him repeatedly in the torso while Khan lay on the ground. The court was told Khan suffered fractured ribs and numerous stab wounds.
Despite paramedics rushing to the scene, Mr Khan died due to the “nature and number” of his injuries.
Suspect Remanded in Custody
Zaarour, from North Circular Road, Brent, was arrested at home the following day. He faces charges of murder and possession of a blade.
During a brief Old Bailey hearing, Zaarour, dressed in a grey T-shirt, only confirmed his identity. A plea hearing is set for November 12, with a provisional three-week trial scheduled to start on April 7 next year.
Police and Community React
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Waller of the Metropolitan Police thanked Wembley residents for their “support and cooperation” during the investigation.
The horrific attack has left the local community shocked and saddened.
