Leeds man convicted of Westminster murder

Suliaman Tajzai, aged 18, has pleaded guilty to the murder of Farmanullah Sherzad and possession of a bladed article. The conviction took place at the Old Bailey on 11 September 2026. Mr Sherzad, 26, was stabbed on Abbey Orchard Street in Westminster on 27 March 2026 and died at the scene approximately 20 minutes later.

Investigation into the stabbing

Metropolitan Police were called to Abbey Orchard Street at around 22:15hrs on 27 March 2026 following reports of a stabbing. Officers found Mr Sherzad with stab wounds. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations by the police established that Tajzai, who resides in Leeds, had purchased a knife in his home city before travelling to London on the day of the attack. CCTV footage showed Tajzai waiting outside Mr Sherzad's address. When Mr Sherzad arrived home from work, he attempted to flee upon seeing Tajzai, but was chased onto Abbey Orchard Street where he was fatally stabbed. Tajzai fled the scene, discarding a pair of black gloves which were later found to have Mr Sherzad's blood on them and DNA linked to Tajzai.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, stated that the police hope the conviction provides some measure of closure for Mr Sherzad's family. He described the incident as a brutal and senseless act of violence. The investigation team pieced together CCTV and forensic evidence to build the case against Tajzai. It was also revealed through CCTV that Tajzai had visited London in the weeks prior to the attack to identify Mr Sherzad's home and workplace.

Sentencing

Suliaman Tajzai is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 18 September 2026.