An ice cream vendor sustained “catastrophic injuries” after being attacked from behind and repeatedly stabbed while on the ground, a court has been informed.
Shazad Khan, aged 41, was reportedly assaulted by Zaher Zaarour in Monks Park, Wembley, in north-west London, on the evening of August 19. Mr. Khan received treatment for his stab wounds but ultimately succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The following day, Mr. Zaarour was apprehended at his residence and subsequently charged with murder and carrying a knife.
The 26-year-old, residing on North Circular Road in Brent, appeared at the Old Bailey, where he only confirmed his identity during the proceedings. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court on November 12 to enter a plea.
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Around 6 PM BST, it is alleged that Mr. Khan was in his van when the defendant approached him to initiate a conversation. After a brief moment, he attempted to leave, only to be confronted again by Mr. Zaarour, resulting in an exchange of words, prosecutor Jacob Hallam KC noted.
As he described the events in court, Mr. Hallam stated: “The defendant produced a large knife, measuring approximately 16cm (6 inches) in length and 3cm (1 inch) wide, which he had concealed in his trousers. He reached around the front of Mr. Khan and stabbed him in the right side of his chest. That single blow inflicted catastrophic injuries on Mr. Khan, which was captured on CCTV.”
Witnesses reportedly observed the defendant slashing Mr. Khan’s throat and attacking the left side of his body with “great force”, according to testimony heard at the Old Bailey.
Mr. Hallam remarked that the stab wounds were indicative of a concentrated and violent assault while Mr. Khan was on the ground, with the defendant positioned above him. During this assault, several of Mr. Khan’s ribs were broken, he added.
Members of the public contacted emergency services, who were unable to assist Mr. Khan due to the “nature and number” of his injuries, Mr. Hallam explained.
These details emerged as Mr. Zaarour made his initial appearance at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing presided over by Judge Nigel Lickley KC.
