A quiet Monday evening in Uxbridge turned into a harrowing scene as a man out walking his dog was fatally stabbed in what police described as a “senseless act of violence”.
The victim, named locally as Wayne Broadhurst, 49, died at the scene. Two others, a 45-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy, were also stabbed during the incident on Midhurst Gardens, just before 5pm.
While the teenager’s injuries are not life-threatening, the adult male has sustained injuries believed to be life-changing.
Uxbridge Stabbing Leaves One Dead
An ordinary evening walk turned fatal when Wayne Broadhurst, a well-known local binman, was stabbed to death. A community mourns the loss of a familiar face, described as someone who “wouldn’t hurt a soul.”
Residents watched in horror as police and paramedics descended on the residential area. According to footage shared online, the suspected attacker was seen walking down the street before being pursued by officers. One officer is heard shouting, “Drop the knife”, before deploying a Taser. The man collapsed moments later.
One neighbour, still visibly shaken, said: “I’ve been here two years and would see him walk past the window… just doing the normal dog walk that he does every day.”
She added: “He was the last person on Earth that you would think somebody would go for… I still can’t get over it.”
Another local woman brought flowers to the scene and said she felt “absolutely sick” upon hearing the news: “The area used to be lovely, over the years it’s really gone downhill.”
Arrest Made at the Scene
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 22-year-old Afghan national was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He was detained at the scene and remains in police custody.
According to the Home Office, the suspect arrived in the UK by lorry and was granted asylum in 2022. Contrary to online rumours, officials confirmed he was not residing in asylum accommodation at the time of the attack.
A spokesperson for the Home Office stated: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those impacted by this horrific incident… The priority must now be for the police to investigate so those responsible can be brought to justice.”
Community in Mourning
Around 100 locals, including families with children, gathered at the junction of Midhurst Gardens and Leybourne Road on Tuesday night. Candles were lit, flowers laid, and a Union flag held high in tribute to the fallen man.
The outpouring of grief was a raw reminder of how deeply the tragedy has shaken the community. People expressed frustration at the changing nature of their neighbourhood, once quiet, now marred by violence.
No Terrorism Link, Motive Unclear
Police have ruled out terrorism and are investigating the suspect’s connection, if any, to the victims.
Chief Superintendent Jill Horsfall addressed public concerns: “This was a shocking and senseless act of violence that has left one man dead and two others injured. I have deployed multiple officers to the local area; they will be here throughout the week to provide reassurance.”
She added, “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.”
The force is urging anyone with information to contact them directly or through Crimestoppers.
- Call 101 quoting reference 5129/27OCT
- Or report anonymously via 0800 555111 or online
This devastating attack has left many searching for answers. A beloved local, killed in a random burst of violence, has become the face of a community’s sorrow. The investigation continues, but one thing is clear: Uxbridge will not forget Wayne Broadhurst.
