A man has been formally charged with murder and attempted murder following a triple stabbing incident that occurred in Midhurst Gardens, Uxbridge, West London, on Monday, October 27. Safi Dawood, a 22-year-old Afghan national, is accused of the murder of 49-year-old Wayne Broadhurst and the attempted murders of a 45-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy. He has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and is scheduled to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday.

The Metropolitan Police were alerted to the scene at approximately 5pm on Monday. Upon arrival, paramedics attempted to save Mr. Broadhurst, a dog walker well-known in the community, but he tragically died after sustaining multiple stab wounds. The 45-year-old man suffered life-changing injuries, while the 14-year-old boy sustained injuries that were not life-threatening or permanent. Investigators have stated that Dawood, who also resided in Midhurst Gardens, did not know any of the victims he is alleged to have attacked.

Details emerging from the investigation and eyewitness accounts suggest that Dawood was living as a lodger in the home of the 45-year-old man. Witnesses reported seeing the 22-year-old chasing two of the victims out of the house before attacking Mr. Broadhurst, who was with his dog, slashing him across the neck. Online footage captured the dramatic moments of police pursuit, with officers sprinting after the suspect, demanding he drop his weapon and "get on the floor." The pursuit concluded with officers deploying a Taser, incapacitating Dawood before his arrest.

The case has garnered significant public interest, partly due to Dawood's background as an Afghan national who arrived in the UK illegally in 2020 via a lorry and was subsequently granted leave to remain around two years later. Home Office officials confirmed he was not residing in asylum hotel or other Home Office accommodation, but in a private address. Following his apprehension, Dawood underwent a medical assessment in custody and later required hospital treatment after experiencing a medical episode. He has since been discharged and returned to police custody.

The brutal attack has sent shockwaves throughout the local community in Uxbridge. Residents described the scene as "absolute carnage" and "very distressing." Tributes quickly poured in for Wayne Broadhurst, who was remembered as a "lovely guy, very gentle and peaceful," a binman who was "just doing the normal dog walk that he does every day." Locals expressed their disbelief and sorrow, with many laying flowers and candles at the scene in Midhurst Gardens.

Chief Superintendent Jill Horsfall addressed the profound impact of the incident, stating, “This was a shocking and senseless act of violence that has left one man dead and two others injured. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time.” She reassured the community of a heightened police presence throughout the week to provide reassurance while detectives intensively work to establish the full circumstances. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorism, but detectives are working to uncover any relationship between the suspect and the victims. Authorities have also urged the media and public to refrain from sharing speculation or sensitive footage online that could impede future court proceedings, appealing for anyone with information to contact them.