Lorik Abazi Killing: Court Hears of Fatal Stabbing Outside Croydon Bowling Alley in London

Lorik Abazi, 22, was fatally stabbed in the heart during a confrontation outside a bowling alley in Croydon, south London, the Old Bailey has heard.

Ellis Anim-Annor, 29, of Bromley, is accused of murdering Abazi and injuring others outside Tenpin Croydon in the early hours of February 15. He denies murder and wounding a second man with intent.

Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC told jurors that both groups had spent Valentine’s Day evening at the venue without trouble and left at about 1 a.m.

Anim-Annor allegedly went to a nearby McDonald’s drive-through before returning and confronting Abazi’s group in the Valley Retail Park car park.

The prosecutor said the reason for the confrontation was not entirely clear, although there was a suggestion that someone in Abazi’s group had commented on the appearance of the defendant’s girlfriend, Ines Bernado.

Prosecutors allege that Anim-Annor armed himself with a knife and stabbed Abazi during the ensuing fight. Two other members of Abazi’s group suffered stab or slash injuries.

Emergency services were called at 1:19 a.m. Abazi received treatment at the scene before being taken to Croydon University Hospital, where he died at 2:01 a.m. The other injured men were taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting.

The trial continues.