Teenager travelled 150 miles to London to stab man, court told

An 18-year-old man has gone on trial at the Old Bailey accused of travelling from Leeds to Westminster, London, with a kitchen knife to murder a 26-year-old man. Sulaiman Tajzai denies the charges of murder and possession of a knife.

Allegations of pre-meditated attack

Prosecutor Lisa Wilding KC told the court that Tajzai's actions on March 27 were not spontaneous. She stated that he travelled to London carrying a kitchen knife, waited outside the victim's home, and then engaged in a prolonged and violent assault. Mr Sherzad was discovered shortly before 10:15pm on Abbey Orchard Street with a large kitchen knife lodged in his chest and suffering from numerous stab wounds. He died at the scene from his injuries.

Jurors heard that Tajzai allegedly purchased the knife near his Leeds home on the day of the incident. CCTV footage reportedly showed him arriving at London's King's Cross station around 5pm, wearing a face mask, a distinctive jacket, and dark gloves. He was then tracked via CCTV as he made his way across the city to Mr Sherzad's address.

Background of alleged stalking complaints

The court heard that animosity towards Mr Sherzad dated back to the autumn of 2025. Ms Wilding explained there was a prior connection between Tajzai's cousin's wife and Mr Sherzad that had deteriorated. The cousin and his wife had previously reported Mr Sherzad to the police in Leeds, showing an officer an image of the victim and text messages.

During a private interview, the wife reportedly deleted the messages and declined to provide a formal statement before leaving the police station. In October last year, police officers visited the couple's Leeds home and found Mr Sherzad on the floor with his wrists bound by fabric and without shoes. Mr Sherzad was arrested on suspicion of stalking and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence.

However, Mr Sherzad subsequently claimed to be in a relationship with the wife, stating he had travelled to Leeds after being invited via Snapchat. Following his release, Tajzai's cousin and his wife reportedly contacted the police on multiple occasions. They were later informed that no further action would be taken against Mr Sherzad.

The prosecution also indicated that Tajzai had travelled to London with his cousin on January 9 and January 21 of this year. On these occasions, they reportedly stayed for a few hours near the convenience store where Mr Sherzad worked in south London and also near his home address.

Tajzai, whose address is listed as Temperance Hall, Leeds, is being assisted by an interpreter in court. The trial at the Old Bailey is ongoing.