The council confirmed that the suspect has no connection with the government’s asylum hotels in Hillingdon
Political leaders and organisations across Hillingdon have condemned violence in Hillingdon following a triple stabbing in Uxbridge on Monday (October 27). A 49-year-old man, named locally as Wayne Broadhurst, was killed in the incident on Monday evening, while two others were injured, including a 14-year old boy.
The Home Office have since revealed the suspect who has been arrested is an Afghan national who came to the UK in a lorry in 2020, before claiming asylum, which was granted in 2022. Officials also confirmed that he is not resident in an asylum hotel or any other Home Office accommodation, despite claims on social media.
Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of Hillingdon Council published a statement on Tuesday evening describing the incident as ‘senseless violence’. He said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the death of one of our residents, and understand the serious concerns our communities will undoubtedly share over this senseless act of violence.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time, alongside the individuals who were injured. We can confirm that the individual arrested has no connection with the government’s asylum hotels in our borough. The person arrived in the UK as an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child in 2020 and was subsequently granted leave to remain.
“The police are investigating the incident and will have an increased presence in the area in the coming days. They are also appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the appalling attack. I urge residents to give the police space to undertake their duties and refrain from speculating and sharing sensitive footage online.”
Cllr Stuart Mathers, Leader of Hillingdon Labour, also shared his thoughts with the LDRS. He said: “Our first thoughts are with the family and friends of the resident who was murdered and those injured following the shocking violent attack on Monday.
“In this difficult time it is understandable that our local communities feel shaken. It is important that we all work with the police investigation and allow them the space to do their job in bringing those responsible to justice.”
On Tuesday night, residents held a vigil for Wayne Broadhurst, with around 100 people gathering to lay flowers near the police tape at the junction between Midhurst Gardens and Leybourne Road, with some lighting candles.
Cllr Peter Curling, Leader of the Hayes Independent Group, told the LDRS: “It is a tragedy that is deeply shocking and concerning. My thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected, and I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Wayne Broadhurst. There must now be a full and frank investigation into this shocking incident, with action taken to restore community safety.”
The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association has also released a statement, saying it is deeply saddened by the incident, but urging it to be viewed as a crime, not a reflection of the Afghan community. Darius Nasimi, Head of Funding and Partnerships at the ACAA says, “This tragic event should not be used as an excuse to tighten immigration policy or fuel hostility towards refugees.
“Instead, it should serve as a reminder of why integration is so crucial. The vast majority of Afghans and refugees in the UK are law-abiding, hardworking people rebuilding their lives and contributing positively to our society. We must respond to the tragedy as a crime, not as a tool for division.”
“The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association stands firmly for peace and inclusion. We will continue to build bridges between communities and ensure that refugees and migrants are supported to integrate and contribute meaningfully to life in the UK. Our thoughts remain firmly with the victims and their families. We hope they receive the care, strength, and support they need to navigate this devastating time.”
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