An ice-cream seller was stabbed to death in a frenzied daylight attack on a residential street in Wembley, a court has heard.

Victim Named as Shazad Khan

Shazad Khan, 41, was working from his van in Monks Park, Wembley, at around 6pm on Tuesday, August 19, when he was allegedly attacked by 26-year-old Zaher Zaarour.

Prosecutor Jacob Hallam KC told the Old Bailey on Wednesday that Mr Khan initially spoke briefly with the defendant before moving away.

But moments later, Zaarour approached again. As Mr Khan turned his back to remove his apron, the defendant allegedly pulled a knife from his trousers and stabbed him in the chest.

CCTV Captured Attack

The attack, partially captured on CCTV, was described by Mr Hallam as “focused and intense”.

“The defendant pulled out a large knife, about 16cm in length and 3cm wide. He reached round the front of Mr Khan and stabbed him to the right side of his chest. That blow alone caused catastrophic injuries,” the prosecutor said.

Witnesses reported seeing Zaarour cut Mr Khan’s throat before delivering repeated stabs to his torso while the victim lay on the ground.

The court heard Mr Khan suffered fractured ribs and multiple stab wounds. Despite emergency services rushing to the scene, he could not be saved due to the “nature and number” of his injuries.

Defendant Remanded in Custody

Zaarour, of North Circular Road, Brent, was arrested at his home the following day and later charged with murder and possession of a blade.

Appearing at the Old Bailey wearing a grey T-shirt, he spoke only to confirm his identity during a short preliminary hearing before Judge Nigel Lickley KC.

A plea hearing has been scheduled for November 12, with a provisional three-week trial set to begin on April 7 next year.

Police and Community Reaction

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Waller of the Metropolitan Police previously thanked Wembley residents for their “support and cooperation” during the investigation, which has caused shock and sadness across the community.