Boys aged 14 killed man in London as taxi driver waited, court hears

Two 14-year-old boys are among four people accused of killing a man in an “unprovoked” and “senseless” knife attack while they kept a taxi driver waiting to take them home, a court has heard.

The defendants took a minicab from Hendon to Harrow, north-west London, then asked the driver to wait for them as they murdered Hussein Ahmed, 19, and attacked two 17-year-olds, the court was told.

After seven or eight minutes, it is alleged, they returned to the cab and said: “Drive, boss.”

Ahmed was stabbed once in the back in a street close to South Harrow tube station on 18 November last year. He died a few days later in hospital after his family gave permission for his life support machine to be turned off.

A boy was stabbed in the arm and stomach, while another narrowly avoided injury when an attacker slashed the sleeve of his jacket.

The two 14-year-olds and a 16-year-old, who was 15 at the time of the attack, are on trial at the Old Bailey.

They deny murder, wounding with intent, attempted wounding with intent and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. They cannot be named for legal reasons.

A fourth alleged attacker aged 16 fled the country and is wanted by police, the court heard.

Anthony Orchard QC, prosecuting, told jurors: “Sadly, this case is about the death of another young man who lost his life to a senseless stabbing which took place on a street in London.

“On Friday 18 November last year, shortly after 5pm, Hussein Ahmed was stabbed once in the back. The attack was unprovoked.

“Ahmed was treated close to the scene of the stabbing. Passersby, police and paramedics tried to stem the blood loss. Sadly, he died three days later.”

The case continues.