Arsenal fan, 20, knifed on Tube was going to match for ‘first time without his dad’ and was just weeks away from moving to US for promising athletics career
A YOUNG Arsenal fan stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack at a West London tube station was on the way to his first match without his dad.
Tashan Daniel, 20, was fatally knifed after two thugs provoked a fight and one stabbed him at Hillingdon station as he travelled to see the Gunners play Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
The talented athlete was about to start a three-month training camp in Florida through Hillingdon Athletics Club.
He had worked as an “exceptional” photographer before he was killed in front of terrified rush-hour commuters.
It comes as London battles a knife crime epidemic as the capital’s murder rate this year reached more than 100.
David Horwich, 37, Tashan’s boss at photography studio 100% Digital, told Sun Online: “Tashan was going somewhere with his work and he was going somewhere with his athletics.
‘IT WAS A TRAGEDY’
“This was a kid with not a bad bone in his body. This was a good kid from a good, middle-class family in London.
“It was a tragedy to have his life taken so soon. It could have been anyone.
“This isn’t gang violence. This is a normal kid, getting a tube. I know he did not know the people [who attacked him].”
He added: “Apparently this was the first time he was going to Arsenal on his own without his dad.
“He was very excited to be going to the game.”
Tashan’s dad, Chandima Daniel, 48, told the Evening Standard he was a “perfect son with no enemies”.
British Transport Police said Tashan and a pal were waiting for a London-bound Piccadilly Line train when he was attacked.
Cops are still hunting his killer, with two men seen fleeing the station after the horror stabbing.
An eyewitness saw the suspects stealing washing from clothes lines to cover their bloodstained clothing.
This isn’t gang violence. This is a normal kid, getting a tube
David Horwich
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the local MP, offered his “heartfelt condolences” to Tashan’s parents, calling his killing “a senseless act”.
Tashan worked with 100% Digital for just over a year before leaving in August to concentrate on athletics full-time.
David added: “He applied for a job that he wasn’t qualified for, but we saw his portfolio and thought it was so exceptional and we just wanted to get him in.”
FAMILY ‘DISTRAUGHT’
Friends have left bouquets of flowers with cards at Hillingdon station entrance.
One read: “Our thoughts are with your family at this tragic time. Such a waste. Time for people to stand up and say no more!”
Family friend Clare Nutt, 50, told Sun Online Tashan’s family is “distraught” after his brutal killing.
She said: “Tashan was very talented. It is beyond shocking. You cannot explain what a good kid he was. Everyb loved him. He was a real gentle soul.
“It was a random attack. He didn’t know the people. It was some altercation. They came across onto the other platform.
“Then I think some sort of scuffle broke out and he was stabbed. They have CVTV and they are doing enquiries now.
“He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. You just couldn’t meet a nicer boy. He was the victim. No way was he involved in any gangs. He was never in trouble in his life.”
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She urged the Prime Minister to do more to tackle knife crime in London after Tashan’s killing, which police described as “senseless”.
Asked if she had a direct message for Mr Johnson, Clare said: “Could you please step up and support tackling knife crime? Boris Johnson is our local MP. Hopefully he can stand up and do something to support fighting knife crime.”
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