AN ICE cream man was “stabbed eight times” until he died in a broad daylight attack, with cops launching a murder investigation.
The Metropolitan Police were called to reports of a stabbing in Monks Park, Wembley , at around 6.10pm on Tuesday.
A 38-year-old man was treated for stab wounds by the London Ambulance Service but died at the scene.
A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in the early hours of Wednesday, while a 31-year-old woman was also arrested at the scene for conspiracy to murder.
The Met said both remain in custody.
Asim Mahmood Butt, 39, a local resident living in nearby Tokyngton Avenue, said he was childhood friends with the victim.
Speaking at the scene, he said: “I got a call from one of my cousins.
“This guy, we know him – he’s a famous ice cream guy. He got stabbed yesterday.
“I came here and his body was still here, and police had cordoned off the area.
“We don’t know the reason why, but all that we know is that a guy with a grey hoodie stabbed him eight times. That’s what I’ve been told.
“I know his brothers as well – they’re all local. We all used to play cricket and football here in Monks Park.
“He started (selling) ice cream about a year ago.”
Mr Butt said the victim was married and had a young daughter.
The victim’s ice cream van, which had been parked on the road at the time of the incident, was well known locally for having a large teddy bear, the witness added.
A second witness, who did not want to be named, said the ice cream van was towed away from the scene in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
A blue forensics tent and a number of Met officers could be seen inside a police cordon in Monks Park on Wednesday afternoon.
Removal vehicles also took away a separate white van and blue car.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Waller said: “Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and friends at this hugely difficult time.
“Detectives are still working at pace to understand the circumstances around this sad event.
“We are urging anyone with information to get in touch and residents can continue to expect an increase in the number of officers in the local area as we continue our investigations.
“Additionally, we ask all residents in the area to look at any doorbell or camera footage around Monks Park and to make contact if there is anything that they feel would assist police.”
Anyone with information should contact the Met by calling 101 or online, quoting CAD6174/19AUG, or by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
