Haybe Nur Cabdiraxmaan charged with murdering Gurvinder Johal in Derby’s city centre bank attack

 A man has been charged with murder following a fatal stabbing inside a Lloyds Bank branch in the heart of Derby, sparking shock and grief in the community.

Gurvinder Johal, 37, described by those who knew him as a “humble, quiet and kind” man, was attacked inside the St Peter’s Street branch shortly after 2:30 pm on Tuesday. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts from emergency services.

On Thursday morning, Haybe Nur Cabdiraxmaan, 47, from Mickleover, a suburb of Derby, was formally charged with murder and was due to appear before Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court the same day.

In a statement from the Crown Prosecution Service, Samantha Shallow, from the East Midlands division, confirmed the charge, stating it followed a detailed review of police evidence. She urged the public to refrain from speculating or sharing information that could compromise the legal process.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial,” she said. “It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

The horrifying attack unfolded in broad daylight in one of Derby’s busiest streets, rattling the city’s business district. Witnesses reported scenes of panic as police and paramedics rushed to the bank. The area around the branch was quickly cordoned off as forensic teams began combing the scene for evidence.

Johal, known to friends as Danny, was well-regarded in the local community. He was described as a devoted businessman who always put others before himself.

Ajit Atwal, the Liberal Democrat leader on Derby City Council, paid tribute to Johal in the Derby Telegraph. “He was a good businessman, and nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He was humble, quiet and a kind guy and would always go above and beyond for everyone,” Atwal said. “His family are devastated and cannot understand what has happened.”

Police have yet to confirm any possible motive for the killing or if the suspect and victim were known to each other. The attack appears to have been isolated, but investigations remain ongoing.

Derbyshire Police are appealing to the public for any information or witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the stabbing. A dedicated police line and online portal have been established to assist in gathering evidence.

The tragic incident has sent ripples through the city, with local leaders expressing condolences and shock. Many residents have left flowers and notes near the bank branch in remembrance of Johal.

As the legal process begins, the focus now turns to the court proceedings and the pursuit of justice for the victim’s grieving family. The case is expected to be transferred to the Crown Court for future hearings due to the seriousness of the charge.

For now, Derby remains stunned by the daylight killing of a man many saw as a gentle and generous member of the community — a tragic reminder of how quickly violence can erupt in the most unexpected places.