On a quiet Monday evening in west London, the calm of Midhurst Gardens was shattered by a violent incident that has left a community in shock and mourning. At approximately 5pm on October 27, 2025, emergency services responded to reports of a triple stabbing in the residential street of Uxbridge. The attack resulted in the death of Wayne Broadhurst, a beloved local binman, and left two others—a 45-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy—with serious injuries. As details have emerged, the story has gripped Londoners and sparked conversations about safety, community, and the complexities of the justice system.
According to the BBC, Safi Dawood, a 22-year-old Afghan man residing on the same street, has been charged with the murder of Wayne Broadhurst and the attempted murder of the other two victims. Dawood also faces a charge of possessing an offensive weapon in relation to the attack. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the charges on October 29, and Dawood appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 30, 2025. He is expected to appear at the Old Bailey within 48 hours, as the legal process moves swiftly in the wake of this high-profile case.
Wayne Broadhurst, 49, was out walking his dog when the attack occurred. He suffered multiple stab wounds to his neck, chest, and side, and despite rapid intervention by paramedics, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two other victims—a 45-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy—were also treated for stab wounds. The older man remains hospitalized with life-changing injuries, while the teenager, who sustained injuries to his hand, has since been discharged, as reported by MyLondon.
The Metropolitan Police have been quick to clarify the relationships involved in this tragic event. In a statement, they confirmed that Dawood and Broadhurst were not known to each other. However, Dawood was known to the other two victims—the 45-year-old man and the 14-year-old boy—though the precise nature of their relationship has not been publicly disclosed. This distinction has been significant in shaping public understanding of the case, as speculation about motives continues to swirl.
After the attack, officers arrested Dawood at the scene. According to The Guardian, he was tasered during the arrest and subsequently suffered a medical episode, requiring hospital treatment before he was taken back into police custody. The Metropolitan Police have stressed that all due process is being followed and that Dawood has been assessed for his medical and legal needs. The CPS, in its public statements, has underscored the importance of a fair trial, warning against any reporting or online commentary that might prejudice the proceedings. "It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings," the CPS said.
The incident has cast a spotlight on Dawood’s background. According to the Home Office, Dawood entered the UK in November 2020, arriving in a lorry and later claiming asylum. His asylum was granted in 2022, allowing him to remain in the country legally. This detail has drawn attention in the broader debate about immigration, asylum policy, and community integration—a debate that often intensifies in the aftermath of violent crime.
Wayne Broadhurst’s death has left a deep void among his family, friends, and colleagues. Broadhurst was employed by Greener Ealing Ltd, a council-owned environmental services company that provides waste disposal and grounds maintenance for Ealing Council. Katarina Pohancenikova, managing director of Greener Ealing Ltd, paid tribute to Broadhurst, describing him as a "well-respected and dedicated member of our team who made a real contribution to the work we do and to the residents we serve." In her statement, she expressed the company’s "deepest condolences" to Broadhurst’s loved ones and called for privacy as they grieve. She added, "This is a devastating loss."
Broadhurst’s personal life was marked by simple joys and strong community ties. Friends recalled his enthusiasm for Liverpool FC and his love of walking his spaniel, Harry. John Robertson, a longtime acquaintance, remembered, "Wayne was a nice guy and he loved supporting Liverpool FC. Taking his spaniel Harry for a walk would make his day but now he’s gone." The impact of his loss has rippled through the neighborhood, with residents expressing both sorrow and anxiety about the safety of their streets. Andrew Wojtowicz, a local bus driver, remarked, "I’ve lived here for 11 years and the situation in this borough is getting bad."
The legal proceedings are now underway, with the Crown Prosecution Service emphasizing the seriousness of the charges. Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, stated, "Following the shocking triple stabbing which took place in Uxbridge on Monday evening, the Crown Prosecution Service has today announced Safi Dawood, 22, has been charged with the murder of Wayne Broadhurst and the attempted murder of two others. Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. We have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police Service as they carried out their investigation."
For many in Uxbridge and beyond, the incident has reignited concerns about knife crime in London. The city has grappled with rising rates of violent incidents in recent years, prompting calls for more robust policing, community engagement, and preventive measures. While the motives behind this particular attack remain unclear, the randomness of Broadhurst’s death—he was simply walking his dog—has struck a nerve. The Metropolitan Police’s reassurance that Broadhurst and Dawood were strangers has done little to ease the sense of vulnerability felt by many residents.
At the same time, the case has prompted reflection on the challenges of supporting both victims and those accused of serious crimes. Dawood’s journey from Afghanistan to the UK, his asylum status, and the circumstances leading up to the attack are likely to be examined in detail as the trial progresses. The CPS has reiterated Dawood’s right to a fair trial and reminded the public of the importance of due process. As the community waits for answers, the focus remains on supporting the victims, honoring Broadhurst’s memory, and ensuring justice is served through the proper legal channels.
The coming weeks will see further developments as Dawood’s case moves to the Old Bailey and more information becomes available. For now, the residents of Midhurst Gardens are left to mourn, reflect, and hope for healing in the wake of a tragedy that has left lasting scars.
