a “shocking, senseless act of violence".
An Afghan national arrested over the fatal stabbing of a dog walker had entered the UK illegally on a lorry.
The 22-year-old suspect was tasered and detained minutes after the killing in Uxbridge, Greater London.
The victim, named locally as 49-year-old dog walker Wayne Broadhurst, was reportedly attacked after trying to stop an assault on a 45-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy.
Mr Broadhurst, described by neighbours as well known in the local community, died at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts to save him.
Graphic footage circulating online appeared to show him being stabbed repeatedly as he attempted to fight off the attacker.
The Metropolitan Police said the incident, which happened shortly before 5 pm on October 27, was a “shocking, senseless act of violence”.
The 45-year-old man suffered life-changing injuries, while the teenager’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing, police confirmed.
According to reports, the Afghan national entered the UK illegally in 2020 and was granted asylum and leave to remain two years later.
He was not thought to be living in asylum or Home Office accommodation at the time of the attack.
Footage shared on social media shows a man walking down a residential street before two police officers chase after him, shouting “drop the knife” and “get on the floor”.
The officers then appear to deploy a Taser, bringing the suspect to the ground as others rush to assist.
Residents claimed the suspect had been living as a lodger in the home of the 45-year-old man for the past six months.
Witnesses alleged a fight broke out before the suspect chased two victims from the property. Mr Broadhurst is believed to have intervened to help.
Chief Superintendent Jill Horsfall added:
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time.”
A Home Office spokesman 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.”
Detectives said the attack is not being treated as terrorism, and inquiries are ongoing to determine the relationship between the suspect and the three victims.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the suspect’s nationality following updated guidance from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), introduced earlier in 2025.
The NPCC guidance allows forces to disclose a suspect’s ethnicity or nationality in high-profile or sensitive cases to help counter misinformation online.
Police have urged the public not to share distressing footage of the attack on social media as the investigation continues.
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