CCTV footage has captured an 18-year-old killer buying a knife in Leeds just hours before he travelled to London to stab a 26-year-old man to death. Sulaiman Tajzai pleaded guilty to the murder of Farmanullah Sherzad and possession of a bladed article at the Old Bailey on Friday, September 11.
Footage shows Tajzai purchasing a knife from a corner shop in Leeds at 12:17pm before boarding a train to London. Upon arrival, he waited outside Sherzad's Westminster address. When Sherzad returned home from work at approximately 10:15pm, Tajzai chased him onto Abbey Orchard Street, where he fatally stabbed him on March 27, 2026.
Pre-planned attack
Tajzai had visited London in the weeks before the attack to scope out Sherzad's home address and place of work. The attack was not spontaneous; it involved prior reconnaissance and planning.
A member of the public discovered Sherzad unconscious and called the police. Despite medical staff's efforts, Sherzad died 20 minutes later. Tajzai fled the scene and attempted to catch a train back to Leeds from King's Cross station, but missed it and boarded another train just after 6am the following day.
Arrest and evidence
Tajzai was arrested at his cousin's house in Leeds on March 29. Police officers searched the address and seized multiple items belonging to him, including a pair of blood-stained trainers.
The animosity against Sherzad was said to date back to autumn 2025. The prosecutor in the case cited a "pre-existing connection" between the defendant's cousin's wife and Sherzad that had "turned sour." On October 3, police attended the couple's home and found Sherzad tied up on the floor, arresting him on suspicion of stalking and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, the court heard.
Investigation and sentencing
However, Sherzad claimed to be in a relationship with the wife, saying he had come to Leeds to visit after she had invited him on social media platform Snapchat.
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. This is a devastating case in which a young man lost his life after being subjected to a brutal and senseless act of violence."
He added: "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."
Tajzai is due to be sentenced on Friday, September 18.
