A community favourite targeted in daylight
Shazad Khan, a beloved father and ice cream seller affectionately known as “Mr Smiley”, was fatally stabbed on his usual route through a quiet residential street in Wembley. The 41-year-old was working in Monks Park when he was attacked on Tuesday evening, shortly after 6pm.
Despite efforts by locals and emergency crews, Shazad was pronounced dead at the scene. He leaves behind a four-year-old daughter and a close-knit family now grieving an unimaginable loss.
Moments before the attack
Disturbing footage obtained by Metro captures the lead-up to the attack. Shazad, dressed in a blue apron, is seen in a heated exchange with a man in a grey hoodie and jogging bottoms. The man follows him along the road as voices escalate. Moments later, Shazad turns away—seconds before he is fatally stabbed.
Witnesses rushed from nearby homes to try to save his life. “We all know Shazad around here,” one neighbour told Metro. “People did their best until the ambulance came. It’s heartbreaking.”
‘Mr Smiley’ remembered
Shazad had become a familiar and welcome face around Wembley since starting his ice cream business last year. Locals say he would often give out free ice creams to children in the area and was known for his upbeat personality.
“He loved football, loved his family, and never had a bad word to say about anyone,” said Akram, who lived next door to the Khan family for 20 years. “He looked after his father when he was dying, he was a good son, a good dad, a humble man.”
A close friend, Sara, said she’d spoken to him just a day earlier. “He was an amazing person. Always smiling. He cared about people. He gave free ice cream to kids just to make them happy.”
Police make two arrests
A murder investigation was launched immediately after the attack. A 26-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday on suspicion of murder. A 31-year-old woman was also arrested at the scene on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. Both remain in police custody.
Forensic teams continued to examine a house on Monks Park on Thursday as officers reviewed CCTV and social media footage.
Police urge calm amid shock
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said: “Our thoughts remain with Shazad’s family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. This incident will understandably cause concern, but based on intelligence at this stage, we believe there is no wider threat to the public.”
Locals described the scene as chaotic and distressing. “It happened so quickly,” one witness said. “He was just doing his job. Everyone around here is in shock.”
Shazad’s family are being supported by specialist officers.
