Tributes for 'Lovely' Woman Stabbed in North London Street
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a 50-year-old woman described as a "lovely lady" who was found dying from stab wounds near her home in a busy north London street. The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, has left the local community in Willesden reeling with shock and devastation.
Community Rushes to Aid Victim
Neighbours on Harlesden Road rushed to help the woman after she sustained fatal knife injuries at around 4pm on Saturday. According to reports, the victim attempted to appeal for help from a neighbour near the scene, who promptly assisted her. Police have since interviewed witnesses, with many members of the public offering statements and receiving support in the aftermath of the tragic event.
A local shopkeeper shared with Metro: "Everyone said she was a really lovely lady who wouldn't hurt a fly. We are all very shocked and devastated." Another neighbour, whose home overlooks the crime scene, added: "At first I thought it was a car accident with someone knocked down. We all rushed out to help. To hear it was a stabbing at that time of day is horrifying. She was a good person; it's difficult to understand how this can have happened to her. She was a gentle person."
Police Investigation and Court Appearance
Police officers were scrambled to the stabbing in Pound Lane, Willesden, on Saturday afternoon. Members of the public battled to save the woman before paramedics took over, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim and suspect were known to each other, with detectives stating this was a targeted act of violence rather than a random attack.
In a swift development, Najiib Raytaan, 25, of Harlesden Road, appeared at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with murder. He has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday. Police have trawled through CCTV footage from the area, while forensics officers scoured for evidence. The busy road was closed for much of the weekend but has since been re-opened.
Official Statements and Ongoing Support
DCS Luke Williams, in charge of policing for Barnet, Brent, and Harrow, expressed his condolences: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the victim's family, friends, and all those who have been affected. We know this incident was witnessed by several members of the public, many of whom have spoken to police and been offered wider support."
Flowers have been left at the scene in memory of the victim, who has not been named by police. The community continues to mourn the loss, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward by calling 101. This incident highlights the profound impact of violent crime on local neighbourhoods and the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.
