Shazad Khan, 41, was fatally stabbed in Wembley as shocked locals mourn the ‘famous ice cream guy’

A community in north-west London has been left reeling after the brutal killing of a much-loved ice cream seller, named by police as 41-year-old Shazad Khan.

Mr Khan was pronounced dead at the scene in Monks Park, Wembley, shortly after 6.10 pm on Tuesday. Officers rushed to the area following reports of an altercation, but found the father fatally wounded.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed a murder investigation is now underway. A 26-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday on suspicion of murder, while a 31-year-old woman was detained at the scene on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. Both remain in custody as detectives pursue urgent inquiries.

Friends and neighbours have described the devastating loss of a man who had become a familiar face in the community thanks to his ice cream van, which was easily recognised by the large teddy bear that adorned its front.

Asim Mahmood Butt, 39, a childhood friend who grew up with Mr Khan, spoke emotionally at the cordoned-off park.
“This guy, we know him – he’s a famous ice cream guy,” he said. “I got a call from one of my cousins to say he’d been stabbed. When I came, his body was still here, and the police had sealed the area. We don’t know the reason why, but all that we know is that a guy with a grey hoodie stabbed him eight times. That’s what I’ve been told.”

Mr Butt explained that Mr Khan had started selling ice cream only a year ago and was married with a young daughter. He recalled their childhood playing cricket and football in the very park where his friend lost his life.

Another local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the ice cream van was towed away by police in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Forensic teams were seen working late into the night, with a blue tent erected at the scene and several vehicles removed as evidence.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, local policing commander for north-west London, issued a sombre statement:
“Our thoughts remain with Shazad’s family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. This incident will rightly cause concern across the community, but intelligence at this stage leads us to believe there is no wider threat to the public.”

He added that detectives are pursuing a “thorough and fast-paced investigation” and urged anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who may have dashcam or doorbell footage from the area.

The violent death has stunned Wembley residents, many of whom associated Mr Khan with moments of joy. His ice cream van had become part of the local landscape during summer, offering treats to families and children. Now, the same vehicle is remembered with sorrow, its cheerful presence turned into a painful reminder of a sudden and senseless loss.

Community leaders have already voiced concern about the level of violence in London and the shockwaves this killing will send through a tight-knit neighbourhood. Residents gathered near Monks Park throughout Wednesday, some laying flowers, others quietly standing at the cordon in disbelief.

For those who knew Mr Khan personally, the grief is raw. “He wasn’t just selling ice cream,” said one neighbour. “He was someone’s husband, someone’s father, someone we grew up with. He didn’t deserve this.”

As police continue to piece together the circumstances of the attack, Wembley waits for answers. For now, the memory of Shazad Khan lives on in the people he served, the friends he grew up with, and the family left to grapple with a devastating absence.