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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Anthony France

Family of Liverpool FC-loving dog walker killed in Uxbridge triple stabbing say death left a ‘deep void’

The partner of a dog walker killed in a triple stabbing paid tribute to him and said his death “has left a deep void”.

Wayne Broadhurst, 49, had a “gentle heart” and “worked hard his whole life, never shying away from improving his community”.

Afghan lorry migrant Safi Dawood, 22, appeared in court charged over the stabbing spree in Midhurst Gardens, Uxbridge at around 5pm on Monday.

He is accused of attacking his landlord and a 14-year-old boy with a knife before allegedly murdering Mr Broadhurst.

Writing on a GoFundMe page, his partner Ann Newman said: “We are heartbroken to announce the tragic loss of our beloved Wayne Broadhurst, a hardworking man who dedicated his life to serving his community through his work in waste collection.”

Ms Newman added he had been walking his beloved dog at the time of the incident.

In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, Mr Broadhurst’s next of kin said that “his loss has left a deep void”.

“He worked hard his whole life, never shying away from improving his community,” they said.

“His love for animals showed the gentle heart behind his strong work ethic, and his passion for Liverpool FC was something he loved to share with others. His loss has left a deep void, not only in the hearts of his family and friends, but across the community he quietly cared for.

“Wayne will be remembered for his kindness, his loyalty, and his genuine willingness to help others. His absence is felt profoundly, and his memory will continue to live on in our community.”

Since the fundraiser was launched on Wednesday, more than £35,000 has been raised, which Ms Newman said will go towards funeral costs, support for his relatives and “helping to honour his life in the way he deserves”.

Afghan lorry migrant Safi Dawood, 22, appeared in court (Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)

“No-one ever expects to face something like this,” Ms Newman said.

“Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support as we come together to remember Wayne and celebrate the love he gave to so many.”

Mr Broadhurst worked as a binman for Greener Ealing, the operator of environmental services for the borough’s council.

Mr Broadhurst, a stranger to Dawood, was stabbed in the shoulder and then attacked as he lay injured on the ground, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

Dawood, who entered the UK in a lorry in 2020 before claiming asylum, was handcuffed as he appeared in the dock for the first time on Thursday.

Flanked by police officers, the defendant was doubled over while sat down as the brief court hearing took place.

He did not speak when asked to confirm his name, and stayed silent throughout the court appearance.

Dawood was then escorted by his arms out of the dock after being remanded in custody by District Judge Michael Snow.

The court heard that before the incident, Dawood allegedly contacted his landlord on WhatsApp and asked him to come to his room where Mr Farrukh found the defendant with a large knife.

Prosecutor Theo Woodhead told the court Mr Farrukh eventually managed to run out of the house and seek assistance from neighbours.

Afghan lorry migrant Safi Dawood, 22, appeared in court (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

The court was told Dawood allegedly approached one of the witnesses with a knife in his hand and was standing in her garden while members of her family sought to help Mr Farrukh and the 14-year-old boy, who had suffered minor injuries to his hands.

One of the neighbours swung her walking stick at Dawood which caused him to back off, Mr Woodhead said.

The court heard Mr Broadhurst was allegedly murdered when he passed by Dawood’s home in Midhurst Gardens while on his usual dog walking route.

Dawood is set to appear again at the Old Bailey on Friday.

He is charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

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