Chilling CCTV captures man fleeing knife-wielding teenager in Westminster minutes before fatal stabbingSuliaman Tajzai, 18, bought a knife in Leeds before travelling to London, where he chased down and stabbed 26-year-old Farmanullah Sherzad to death
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Megan Howe, News Reporter1 minute ago
CCTV footage has captured the moment a 26-year-old man flees for his life from a teenager armed with a knife just minutes before he was stabbed to death.
Afghan refugee Suliaman Tajzai, 18, of Welsey Road in Leeds, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday to murdering Farmanullah Sherzad in Westminster in March this year.
Footage published by the Metropolitan Police following Tajzai’s conviction has now revealed how the events leading up to the murder unfolded — beginning hundreds of miles away in Leeds.
Wearing a blue, white and black jacket, Tajzai is seen entering a corner shop and calmly taking a knife from the shelf on Friday, March 27.
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He then approaches the counter, where CCTV captures him laughing and chatting with the cashier as he buys the item.
Later that day, Tajzai travelled to London and waited outside Farmanullah’s address for him to return from work.
CCTV footage then captures the moment Farmanullah sees Tajzai and attempts to flee, as the teenager gives chase armed with the knife he had bought earlier that day.
CCTV footage has captured the moment a 26-year-old man flees for his life from a teenager armed with a knife just minutes before he was stabbed to deathMet Police
Farmanullah can be seen running down the street with Tajzai in pursuit, before the chase continues onto Abbey Orchard Street, where Tajzai stabs him.
Officers were called at around 10.15pm on March 27 after Farmanullah was found with stab wounds by a member of the public.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, the 26-year-old was pronounced dead around 20 minutes later.
Suliaman Tajzai is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 18 SeptemberMet Police
Tajzai fled after the attack, dropping a pair of black gloves near St James’ Park, police say.
Forensic examination later found Farmanullah’s blood on the gloves, while DNA recovered from inside them was linked to Tajzai.
CCTV footage later revealed that Tajzai had travelled to London in the weeks before the attack to scope out Farmanullah’s home address and where he worked.
Tajzai buying a knife from a corner shop in Leeds on the day of the murderMet Police
Tajzai is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on September 18.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with Farmanullah’s family and loved ones as they continue to come to terms with his tragic loss. While no outcome can undo the suffering caused by his death, we hope today’s conviction provides some measure of closure and reassurance that the person responsible has been brought to justice.
“This is a devastating case in which a young man lost his life after being subjected to a brutal and senseless act of violence. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in such circumstances.
“I would like to commend the dedication and professionalism of the investigative team, who worked meticulously to piece together crucial CCTV, and forensic evidence to build a compelling case.
“I am also grateful to members of the public who assisted officers during the investigation.”
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