Shadwell Stabbing: Khalid Achchaq’s Killer Charged

key takeaways

Detectives investigating the tragic death of Khalid Achchaq have achieved a major breakthrough with the formal charging of Hassan Lbane. Lbane, 39, of Wodeham Gardens, Tower Hamlets, is accused of the fatal stabbing that took place on Tuesday, 7 April, outside a cafe on the busy Watney Street.

The charging follows a dramatic turn of events in which Lbane travelled to the West Midlands to hand himself in at a Birmingham police station on Friday, 10 April. He was subsequently arrested and transported back to London by Metropolitan Police officers. Following intensive questioning, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges of murder and grievous bodily harm on Saturday, 11 April.

The victim, 37-year-old Khalid Achchaq, was a Moroccan national whose death has deeply impacted the East London community. Known for his piety and his role as the sole financial provider for his family in Marrakech, Khalid was set upon in broad daylight during the busy market hours. A second man, aged in his 50s, was also injured during the incident but has since been discharged from hospital.

Local community leaders and friends of the victim have noted that both the accused and the victim share North African heritage, a factor that has added a layer of profound sadness to the local Moroccan community. While the specific motive behind the confrontation remains a central focus of the ongoing police inquiry, detectives are currently exploring the personal history between the individuals involved to determine what led to the escalation on Watney Street.

DCI Dave Whellams told journalists that while a charge has been secured, the investigation remains active as they work to finalise the formal identification and notify all next of kin. "This update brings some reassurance to the community, but we still urge anyone with information to come forward," he stated.

Hassan Lbane has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to make his first appearance at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 April. Legal proceedings will now transition to the Old Bailey as the prosecution builds its case around forensic evidence and witness testimonies from the scene.