A teenage asylum seeker has been jailed for life after fatally stabbing a young man in cold blood on the streets of central London.

Sulaiman Tajzai,18, travelled more than 150 miles from Leeds and killed 26-year-old Farmanullah Sherzad in Westminster on March 27 this year, lying in wait for his victim to leave work.

On Friday, September 18, a judge at the Old Bailey jailed Tajzai for life to serve a minimum of 25 years after he pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a bladed article.

He subjected his victim to an “exceptionally violent” and “savage” attack in public, stabbing him at least 10 times, judge Angela Rafferty KC said.

Judge Rafferty told him: “You were effectively stalking him down like prey. You had a grudge against him based on a false suggestion of misconduct towards a female you are connected with.

“It is not said on your behalf, nor could it be, that you had any justifiable or excusable grievance against this man.”

Tajzai had developed a “personal grudge” towards Mr Sherzad believing – falsely – that he was in the Taliban and had stalked his cousin’s wife with the intention of having sex with her.

The court was told the Taliban had previously kidnapped the defendant’s father and was suspected of killing him.

However, in victim impact statements, Mr Sherzad’s loved ones described him as a “friendly, polite, respectful person who was always well mannered and tolerant”.

The court heard how he loved cricket, was a “very good fast bowler” and was also hard-working, often working six or seven days a week.

Prosecutor Lisa Wilding KC said Tajzai had claimed to be aged 14 when he entered the UK in August 2022, going on to claim asylum the following year.

At around 10.15pm on March 27, police were called after Farmanullah Sherzad was found with stab wounds by a member of the public.

Despite the efforts of medical staff, the 26-year-old died around 20 minutes later.

Officers established through CCTV enquiries that Sulaiman Tajzai had purchased a knife from a corner shop in Leeds before travelling to London by train on the same day.

Further footage captured Tajzai waiting outside Farmanullah’s address when he arrived home from work shortly before 10.15pm.

Upon seeing Tajzai, Farmanullah tried to flee but Tajzai chased him onto Abbey Orchard Street, where he fatally stabbed him.

In a statement, the victim’s family said: “We as a family are utterly devastated and heartbroken by the sudden and horrific murder of Farmanullah. His life was taken from him in the most cruel and senseless circumstances, leaving a void that can never be filled.

“Farmanullah was a kind, gentle and free-spirited man. He was someone who would not hurt a fly. He lived his life peacefully, treated others with respect and sought only to live in harmony with those around him. It is almost impossible for us to comprehend that someone so harmless and kind has been taken from us in such a violent and tragic way.

“We are deeply shocked and angered by the circumstances surrounding his death. If, as we understand, this was a calculated, heinous and premeditated act, then the enormity of what has happened cannot be overstated. A human life has been deliberately taken, and a family has been left to live with unimaginable grief and loss.

“No family should ever have to endure the pain that we are experiencing. No innocent life should be taken in such circumstances.

“We sincerely hope that the authorities and the justice system will do everything within their power to ensure that those who pose a danger to others are appropriately dealt with, rehabilitated where possible, and prevented from causing further devastation to other innocent families.

“Farmanullah deserved to live his life. He deserved to grow old surrounded by his family and loved ones. Instead, we are left mourning a life that was cruelly and prematurely taken from us.

“We will never forget him, and we will never stop grieving for him.”

After the attack, Tajzai fled the scene, dropping a pair of black gloves near St James' Park. Following forensic examination, Farmanullah's blood was found on the gloves, while DNA recovered from inside them was linked to Tajzai.

CCTV footage also revealed that Tajzai had travelled to London in the weeks before the attack to scope out Farmanullah's home address and where he worked.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said: "Our thoughts remain with Farmanullah's family and loved ones, who continue to face the unimaginable consequences of his death. While nothing can ever undo their pain and suffering, we hope this outcome provides them with some measure of justice.

“My team worked meticulously to piece together crucial CCTV, and forensic evidence to build a compelling case, and today's sentence reflects the seriousness of this violent and senseless attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of a young man's life.

“The Met will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the most violent offenders are apprehended and put before the courts.”