Gangs of youths with machetes terrorise Liverpool city centre as fights break out

A 17-year-old has been jailed for life after killing a 26-year-old accountant in a brutal machete attack during a prearranged meeting. The victim, Adam Khan, was lured to a location in Luton by a 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, Emmanuel Avogo, who had planned to ambush him. The attack occurred on August 31, 2025, and resulted in Khan's death. Avogo, who had previously been involved in multiple incidents related to knife crime, approached Khan under the pretense of arranging a meeting with the girl. According to court records, Khan had been contacting the girl via phone messages, offering her cannabis in exchange for sexual favors. The girl, who remained unnamed in court proceedings, conspired with Avogo to set up the encounter. She was later found guilty of manslaughter and received a two-year detention and training order. Avogo was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years. During the trial, the court heard that Avogo had concealed a machete in his trousers and used it to stab Khan repeatedly during their confrontation. The attack began when Khan arrived at the designated meeting spot, where he spoke briefly with the girl through a car window. Avogo then appeared and chased him, leading to a struggle in which Khan was stabbed five times, once in the face, twice in the stomach, and twice in the arms. He died shortly after being taken to the hospital. CCTV footage captured the incident, showing Khan approaching the car, engaging with the girl, and then retreating as Avogo pursued him. After driving away for a short distance, Khan returned to confront Avogo, retrieving a tyre wrench from the boot of his car. The confrontation escalated into a violent clash, resulting in Khan's fatal injuries. Judge Mr Justice Bennathan noted Avogo's history of carrying knives and his lack of remorse for the crime. He stated that Avogo still denies responsibility for the murder, suggesting that any chance of reform is unlikely. The judge emphasized the severity of the offense and the need for public awareness regarding youth involvement in knife-related crimes. Prosecutor Kate Bex KC described the attack as an ambush, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime. She explained that both defendants had planned the meeting with Khan, and that Avogo had stored the machete at his residence prior to the attack. The prosecution argued that the victims' actions were part of a deliberate scheme to harm Khan. Khan's mother, who was not named in court, expressed deep sorrow over her son's death. She recounted how Khan had begun working at age 15 after his father's passing to support his family. She praised him as a bright, strong, and caring individual. She also condemned the perpetrators, stating that she hoped they faced a fate more severe than what they had inflicted upon her son. Khan's sister delivered a victim impact statement, describing her brother as someone who was preparing for a promising future in the accounting field. She revealed that he was scheduled to take his final accountancy qualification exam just days before the attack. She lamented that his potential had been cruelly stolen from him. She called the attackers "pure evil" and urged society to hold them accountable for their actions.