A teenager has been sentenced to three years in prison for an armed assault on a staff member at a chicken shop in South London on Christmas Eve.
On December 24, 2025, Marwan Khadir, 18, from Malcolm Close in Penge, executed an attack lasting over two minutes with a realistic imitation firearm. During the incident, he threatened to shoot and kill the victim while physically assaulting him multiple times after expressing dissatisfaction with his order.
The sentencing comes amid ongoing efforts by the Metropolitan Police to address the use and illegal sale of both real and imitation firearms. This initiative builds on last year’s success, which saw 676 firearms removed from the streets of London.
The victim reported the assault on Christmas Day, prompting a swift investigation. Officers quickly identified Khadir through extensive analysis of CCTV footage, financial tracking, and checks with local residents conducted between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Additionally, officers engaged in large-scale phone investigations to pinpoint Khadir’s address and collaborated with firearms command to secure arrest warrants on January 2. Following his arrest, authorities confiscated the replica firearm used in the attack, along with fake ammunition.
The high-quality CCTV footage of the incident, combined with the weapon and clothing linked to Khadir, formed a robust evidence package.
Detective Sergeant Amy Cross, who oversaw the investigation, remarked, „The tireless work by officers on this case over the Christmas and New Year period is further evidence that policing never stops, and their efforts ultimately led to a conviction. All our thoughts continue to remain with the victim of this terrifying ordeal, something no one should ever have to go through, let alone at their place of work. The strength he has shown since the attack has been remarkable. On top of this, the courage he demonstrated in coming forward and reporting the assault was incredibly brave. He was then able to subsequently identify the perpetrator, a crucial moment in allowing us to move the investigation forward.“
On January 30, Khadir pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to charges including possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, making threats to kill, and assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH).
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