The quiet residential street of Midhurst Gardens in Uxbridge, west London, was shattered by violence on Monday, October 27, 2025, when a triple stabbing left one man dead and two others injured. The incident, which unfolded around 5:00 PM, has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting both grief and urgent questions about safety, support, and the circumstances that led to the attack.
According to the BBC, the victim who lost his life was Wayne Broadhurst, a 49-year-old local man known for his daily dog walks and his work as a bin man. Emergency services, including paramedics and police, rushed to the scene after receiving reports of multiple stabbings. Despite their best efforts, Broadhurst was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving his family and friends devastated. Specially-trained officers are now supporting his next-of-kin during what authorities have described as an “unimaginably difficult time.”
Two others were also injured in the attack. A 45-year-old man sustained life-changing, though not life-threatening, injuries, while a 14-year-old boy suffered stab wounds that, thankfully, were neither life-threatening nor life-changing. Both were taken to hospital for treatment, with the man’s injuries described as severe but stable, and the boy’s as less serious.
Police arrested a 22-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The suspect, an Afghan national, was Tasered by officers after a brief chase. As reported by The Standard, witnesses described hearing screams and seeing the suspect “with blood on his hands” before police intervened. The Home Office later confirmed that the suspect had arrived in the UK in a lorry in 2020, was granted asylum and leave to remain in 2022, and was not residing in any Home Office accommodation at the time of the attack.
Detectives have launched a murder investigation and are urgently working to piece together the relationships, if any, between the suspect and the victims. The Metropolitan Police have stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism, but the motive and full circumstances remain under investigation. Chief Superintendent Jill Horsfall, who leads policing in Uxbridge, emphasized the gravity of the event, calling it “a shocking and senseless act of violence that has left one man dead and two others injured.” She added, “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time.”
In the immediate aftermath, police and emergency crews cordoned off the area, with forensic officers working late into the night. Residents described scenes of chaos and fear. One local told the BBC that she saw the suspect being chased by police, his shirt torn, before officers Tasered and arrested him. Another neighbor, quoted by The Standard, said, “He’s a bin man. I’ve been here two years and would see him walk past the window. He was just doing the normal dog walk he does every day. I still can’t get over it.”
Throughout Tuesday, the community gathered to mourn and reflect. About 100 people held a minute’s silence by the police cordon, applauding at the end before dispersing quietly. Flowers and candles were laid at the junction of Midhurst Gardens and Leybourne Road, and heartfelt notes expressed the community’s sorrow and solidarity. One message read, “The community is devastated. Rest in peace #hillingdon says no.” Another said, “Sending my deepest sympathy. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and the community.”
For many residents, the attack has heightened anxieties about safety in the neighborhood. One woman told BBC News, “The man that was stabbing random people chased after two of my son’s friends but they managed to escape. It’s horrendous and just on our doorstep. It’s frightening—my daughter couldn’t sleep last night because she thought the man was going to come and attack her.” Robin Stevens, a longtime resident, said, “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. I’m shocked.”
Police have responded by increasing patrols and maintaining a visible presence in the area to provide reassurance. Chief Superintendent Horsfall addressed the community’s concerns directly: “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.” She also appealed for calm and asked the public to avoid speculation, especially online. “We ask that you rely on us for information, and that you do not share sensitive footage.”
Indeed, footage of the arrest and aftermath circulated rapidly on social media, prompting further appeals from authorities. “Please be considerate with what you are sharing online, and keep up to date with our news website for any accurate updates on this incident,” Horsfall urged. She warned that sharing such material could impede court proceedings and cause additional distress to those affected.
The Home Office echoed these sentiments. A spokesperson said, “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those impacted by this horrific incident. We are receiving regular updates from the Metropolitan Police. The priority must now be for the police to investigate so those responsible can be brought to justice.”
Accounts from residents paint a picture of a community in shock but determined to support one another. One neighbor described Broadhurst as “the last person on Earth that you would think somebody would go for,” recalling how she brought flowers and shortbread to his wife. Another resident, Ben James, recounted the chaos: “As I came here there were pools of blood. I saw two people on the floor and there was a tent up as well. It’s a bit scary but it’s becoming the normal round here.”
Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses and information. Anyone with details is urged to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference 5129/27OCT, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
As the investigation continues, the people of Uxbridge are left grappling with the aftermath of a tragedy that has upended their sense of security. Yet in the face of loss, the community’s response—marked by compassion, solidarity, and a collective call for justice—offers a glimmer of resilience amid the heartbreak.
