Man denies murder over Valentine's date remark in Croydon

A man denies murdering Lorik Abazi, 22, and wounding a second man after a confrontation in a Croydon car park. Ellis Anim-Annor, 29, faces charges of murder and wounding with intent at the Old Bailey. The incident occurred in the early hours of 15 February at the Valley Retail Park.

The court heard that Mr Abazi died after being stabbed in the heart. Emergency services were called to the scene at 01:19. Mr Abazi received treatment at the scene before being taken to Croydon University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 02:01. Two other men from Mr Abazi's group sustained slash or stab injuries and were transported to St George's Hospital.

Row over Valentine's date comment

Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC told the jury that Mr Anim-Annor and his girlfriend had spent Valentine's Day evening at Tenpin Croydon. Mr Abazi and his friends were also at the venue. According to the BBC, there was no disturbance inside the bowling alley. Both groups reportedly left the premises around 01:00. Mr Anim-Annor then allegedly went to a nearby McDonald's drive-through before returning to confront Mr Abazi's group outside the bowling alley.

The prosecutor stated that the precise reason for the confrontation was not entirely clear. However, there was some suggestion that a remark was made about the appearance of Mr Anim-Annor's girlfriend. The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, during which Mr Anim-Annor is alleged to have armed himself with a knife and used it to stab Mr Abazi.

Mr Anim-Annor, of Belgravia Gardens, Bromley, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Lorik Abazi and the wounding of a second man with intent. The trial is ongoing.

Following his death, Mr Abazi's family issued a statement saying: "A light has gone out in our lives, and we are devastated beyond words by his loss."