A man has been formally charged with murder and attempted murder following a triple stabbing in Midhurst Gardens, Uxbridge, West London, on Monday, October 27. Safi Dawood, a 22-year-old Afghan national, is accused of murdering 49-year-old Wayne Broadhurst and attempting to murder 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 before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

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

Emerging details from the investigation and eyewitness accounts indicate that Dawood had been living as a lodger in the home of the 45-year-old victim. Witnesses described seeing the 22-year-old chasing two of the victims out of the house before attacking Mr. Broadhurst, who was walking his dog, slashing him across the neck. Online footage captured dramatic moments of the police pursuit, showing officers running after the suspect while shouting commands for him to drop his weapon and get on the ground. The chase ended when officers deployed a Taser, incapacitating Dawood before making the arrest.

The case has drawn significant public attention, partly due to Dawood’s background as an Afghan national who arrived in the UK illegally in 2020 via a lorry and was granted leave to remain approximately two years later. According to the Home Office, Dawood was not residing in asylum accommodation but living at a private address. Following his arrest, Dawood underwent a medical assessment while 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 through the Uxbridge community. Residents described the scene as “absolute carnage” and “deeply distressing.” Tributes have poured in for Wayne Broadhurst, remembered as a “lovely guy, very gentle and peaceful,” and “just doing the normal dog walk he does every day.” Locals have continued to lay flowers and light candles at the scene in remembrance.

Chief Superintendent Jill Horsfall addressed the profound impact of the incident, saying: “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 assured residents of a heightened police presence in the area throughout the week to provide reassurance while detectives continue to investigate the full circumstances.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terrorism, though detectives are working to determine any prior connection between the suspect and the victims. Authorities have urged the media and public to avoid sharing unverified information or sensitive footage online, warning that it could interfere with future court proceedings. Anyone with relevant information has been encouraged to contact police.