One dead and two injured in ‘senseless’ stabbing

An Afghan national has been arrested after a man was stabbed to death and two other people, including a 14-year-old boy, were injured in a “senseless act of violence” in west London.

Police and ambulance crews were called to Midhurst Gardens in Uxbridge at around 5pm on Monday where the three victims were stabbed.

One woman living nearby said the violence made her feel “absolutely sick”.

Reports suggest a passer-by walking his dog was fatally stabbed when he tried to stop a man and his son being attacked.

A local told the Daily Mail: “The dead man is very well known around here.

“He’s a lovely guy, very gentle and peaceful. He was just trying to help and it’s ended up costing him his life.”

A 49-year-old man was treated at the scene but died, while another man, aged 45, suffered life-changing injuries, police said.

The teenager’s injuries were not life-threatening or changing.

The attack is not being treated as terrorism, and detectives are working to establish any relationship between the suspect and the three victims, the Metropolitan Police said.

The Metropolitan Police said a 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Footage posted online appears to show the suspect walking along a residential street, before two police officers sprint after him, one pointing a Taser and shouting “drop the knife” and “get on the floor”.

Several others join them before the Taser is fired and the man falls to the ground.

Four bunches of flowers had been left near the police cordon on Tuesday, one of which was left by a female neighbour from a nearby road who did not wish to be named.

She said: “Last night the police came down my road, it was about 5pm, I thought to myself ‘oh my god I wonder what’s happened’.

“I just thought I’d come down and put some flowers down for the family.”

She said she found out what happened early on Tuesday which made her feel “absolutely sick”, she added: “That somebody could actually do that, it’s just awful.

“The area used to be lovely, over the years it’s really gone downhill.”

Robin Stevens, 50, who lives on the other side of Midhurst Gardens, said he heard a lot of sirens at about 5pm on Monday.

He said he found out what happened on Tuesday morning and was “shocked”, adding: “I grew up on this street, I’ve lived on this street for 50 years and I’ve always known it to be quite a family orientated area.”

Wisam Salah, 18, said “everyone is really panicked” after the incident.

Mr Salah, who lives near the cordon, said: “Yesterday I was out, I came home about 7pm.

“When I came home I saw multiple police cars, I think more than five. I was extremely confused.”

He said he was “extremely shocked” when he found out what had happened.

Forensic officers could be seen walking along Midhurst Gardens on Tuesday afternoon towards the police cordon in a line.

The 13 officers walked slowly and some checked hedges on the sides of the road.

Chief Superintendent Jill Horsfall said: “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.

“The incident will have understandably caused concern to the local community. I have deployed multiple officers to the local area, they will be here throughout the week to provide reassurance while detectives work intensely to piece together the circumstances.

“I understand that there has been a lot of speculation online following on from this incident. We ask that you rely on us for information, and that you do not share sensitive footage.

“If anyone saw or has any information about the incident, then please come forward to police. We appreciate any information that you may have.

“There will be a crime scene and a heavy police presence within the area over the next few days, I thank residents for their patience.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting the reference 5129/27OCT, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.