The family of a man killed by his neighbour in east London said he was "failed by London" after authorities did not do enough to act on repeated complaints about the neighbour's behaviour.
Daniel Whybrow, 46, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court last week to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years after being convicted of murder and causing grievous bodily harm for the stabbing of 50-year-old Raish Ahmed outside their block of flats in Canning Town in October last year.
Relatives and neighbours told BBC London they had complained for months about Whybrow's aggressive and anti‑social conduct and that the police and Newham council should have taken stronger action. Court testimony described a row over a communal door being propped open when Whybrow attacked Mr Ahmed, stabbing him repeatedly in front of horrified onlookers.
Mohammad Hasan, a friend and neighbour, described Mr Ahmed as a "wonderful person" and a devoted father who worked two jobs and cared for his family. Mr Ahmed and his family moved into the block on Hartingdon Road in 2020 after arriving in the UK from Bangladesh in 2015. He worked as a security guard at the Victoria and Albert Museum, drove for a ride‑hailing service and helped care for his wife.
The trial heard that tensions had escalated after Whybrow repeatedly behaved aggressively toward other residents. Neighbours said Whybrow had ignored requests to lower loud music, had been abusive in a July incident that prompted a police call, and that some residents kept their distance because they were intimidated.
Correspondence seen by BBC London shows the council told one resident in April 2024 that the occupant had been given a warning, issued with a tenancy breach order and was being monitored. A subsequent letter in May said the council would write to the occupant to "address the unacceptable behaviour" after complaints from Mr Ahmed's family. Residents say problems continued despite those steps.
On 5 October, Mr Hasan said Mr Ahmed telephoned sounding upset because Whybrow had propped open the communal door while working on his bicycle and was threatening him. Mr Ahmed called 999, and Mr Hasan said police did not arrive. The men then confronted Whybrow together, and the dispute turned physical.
The court heard that Whybrow reached through a kitchen window, grabbed a knife and attacked. Mr Ahmed either slipped or fell after being struck in the face, and Whybrow repeatedly stabbed him as he lay on the ground. A 16‑year‑old boy who tried to protect Mr Ahmed was also injured. Mr Ahmed suffered wounds to his chest and thigh and died in hospital two days later.
Whybrow was arrested at his flat. During the arrest and at the police station, the court heard he was aggressive and made racist remarks to two Asian officers. He was acquitted of racially aggravated assault and threats to kill but convicted of murder and causing grievous bodily harm. In sentencing, Judge Murray Shanks said Whybrow was "anything but a good neighbour" and had behaved in an "extremely territorial and aggressive way," and while he could not say the attack was racially motivated he had displayed "racial hostility."
The court was told Whybrow had previous convictions for using threatening words and behaviour and for possessing a weapon, and that he suffered from post‑traumatic stress disorder after a fatal fire at a block of flats.
Mr Hasan described the aftermath as traumatic for neighbours and devastating for Mr Ahmed's family, who he said have been unable to return to their home and have been staying in a hotel. Mr Ahmed's wife, Jannatul Mauwa, said in a statement to BBC London that the family had been left "broken" and blamed the police and council for ignoring warnings and "turning their back on communities."
Local residents held a walk of solidarity after the killing, and community leaders said there had been "no meaningful improvement" since and that many people still felt "unsupported and unprotected." Mohammad Nuruzzaman of the Darul Arqam Masjid and Muslim Community Centre said the incident highlighted concerns about anti‑social behaviour, crime and racism toward the Muslim and Bangladeshi community in the area.
A Newham council spokesperson said the authority takes all complaints "extremely seriously" and is "committed to providing clear guidance and support" to residents. The statement added that the council's thoughts are with those affected and that it will continue to provide support "with compassion, care, and the utmost respect."
The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comment. The sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court brought a legal conclusion to the criminal case; community leaders and neighbours say it leaves unresolved questions about why earlier interventions did not prevent the fatal attack.