Man killed in Abbey Orchard Street stabbing; trial of 18‑year‑old continues
An 18‑year‑old from Leeds is on trial at the Old Bailey for the murder of Farmanullah Sherzad after travelling 150 miles to Westminster.
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Named prosecutor and two independent outlets give corroborated details, raising trust to 68.
Higher is stronger
Clear facts, quotes, specifics and next steps earn a high critic score of 95.
Higher is stronger
Headline is dramatic but matches the body; language is mildly sensational, scoring 33.
Lower is better
An 18‑year‑old Afghan refugee from Leeds has been charged with murder after a fatal stabbing on Abbey Orchard Street in Westminster on 27 March. The victim, Farmanullah Sherzad, 26, was discovered with a kitchen knife lodged in his chest shortly before 10.15 pm.
Details of the attack
Jamie Duncan remanded after murder charge over Finchley shooting
The 21‑year‑old New Southgate resident will face trial at the Old Bailey on 7 June 2027 following his arrest in Spain
Prosecutor Lisa Wilding KC told the court that Tajzai arrived in London armed with a kitchen knife, waited outside the victim’s home and then launched a sustained assault. Witnesses reported hearing repeated stabbing and saw the victim lying in a pool of blood, as reported by MyLondon.
His actions that day were neither a coincidence nor spontaneous.
Lisa Wilding KC, prosecutor
CCTV footage captured Tajzai entering King’s Cross station around 5 pm, wearing a medical facemask, a distinctive jacket and dark gloves. He was later seen walking across the city before reaching the address on Abbey Orchard Street. After the stabbing, he fled the scene and attempted to board a train back to Leeds, missing the last service and catching an early morning train the following day.
Kilburn murder reward up to £20,000 after new CCTV released
Metropolitan Police have issued additional footage of a man seen minutes before the September 2024 shooting, while Crimestoppers' offer ends on 19 November 2026.
Police investigation and arrest
Metropolitan Police officers responded to the 999 call, secured the scene and recovered the weapon. A search of Tajzai’s cousin’s house in Leeds on 29 March uncovered blood‑stained trainers, gloves and the jacket he wore on the night of the attack, as detailed by the Standard.
Tajzai was taken into custody at the Leeds residence and placed in the custody of the Crown Prosecution Service. He has denied the murder charge and the possession of a knife. The case remains before the Old Bailey, where the trial is continuing.
Background to the dispute
The prosecution outlined a long‑standing grievance involving Tajzai’s cousin’s wife and Sherzad, dating back to autumn 2025. The cousin and his wife had previously reported Sherzad to police in Leeds, alleging stalking and other misconduct. Police investigations at the time resulted in no further action against Sherzad.
Sherzad had previously been arrested on suspicion of stalking and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, but was released. The family’s concerns resurfaced after the fatal incident, prompting the current prosecution.
What happens next
The Old Bailey will continue hearing evidence and arguments from both sides. If the jury returns a guilty verdict, the judge will schedule a sentencing hearing to determine any custodial term. The case remains high profile, with ongoing media coverage and public interest.
Questions this report answers
+What happened on Abbey Orchard Street on 27 March?
On 27 March, Sulaiman Tajzai travelled from Leeds to Westminster and stabbed Farmanullah Sherzad, 26, on Abbey Orchard Street shortly before 10.15 pm. The victim was found with a kitchen knife in his chest and later died from the injuries.
+Who is being tried for the murder?
The defendant is Sulaiman Tajzai, an 18‑year‑old Afghan refugee from Leeds. He is being tried at the Old Bailey on charges of murder and possession of a knife, and he has pleaded not guilty to both counts.
+When was the suspect arrested and what was seized?
Police arrested Tajzai at his cousin’s house in Leeds on 29 March. During the search, officers recovered blood‑stained trainers, gloves and the jacket he wore on the night of the attack, as reported by the Standard.
+What are the next steps in the legal process?
The Old Bailey will continue the trial, hearing further evidence and arguments. After a verdict, a separate sentencing hearing will be scheduled if the jury finds the defendant guilty, determining any custodial term.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs News LondonCorrections
The London Ledger
A considered capital-wide edit delivered each morning.
More Coverage in Crime & Safety
Jamie Duncan remanded after murder charge over Finchley shooting
Kilburn murder reward up to £20,000 after new CCTV released
Trump says police avoid parts of London as homicide count hits record low
