07-05-2025
Derby stabbing: Restaurant owner and 'devoted family man' named as man killed in Lloyds bank
The victim in Tuesday's stabbing at a Lloyd's Bank in Derby has been named as a local restaurant owner. Gurvinder Singh Johal, known to friends as Danny, owns and runs the Hen and Chickens Bar and Grill restaurant in Shelton Lock.
Police were called to Lloyd's Bank in St Peter's Street at around 2.30pm on Tuesday afternoon (May 6) and despite an air ambulance attending, the victim, in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. A man in his 40s was arrested at a property in Western Road, Normanton, at around 6pm on suspicion of murder. A second man in his 30s was also arrested at the same property on suspicion of assisting an offender. Both were in police custody last night.
Meanwhile people trying to go about their daily lives in the city have spoken of their shock.
His death has been called "senseless" by close friend Councillor Ajit Atwal, leader of the Lib Dem group on Derby City Council, who knew him personally. He declined to give personal details because of causing further upset to the family but was happy to talk about him as a person.
He said: "It's a sad day for Derby. He was the most hard-working and devoted family mam. It makes no sense what has happened. Something must have gone terribly wrong for him to be killed in this way.
"He was a good businessman and nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He was humble, quiet and a kind guy and would always go above and beyond for everyone.
"His family are devastated and cannot understand what has happened. He was just getting on with his life - it's just senseless."
A lady who did not wish to give her name said she read the news about the death last night. She said: "It's just so shocking. Inside a bank in broad daylight. Really awful. "
After the stabbing, a nearby shopkeeper - who asked to remain anonymous - told DerbyshireLive: " We know who the guy is, it's really sad, really sad. Yesterday we heard screaming and then heard someone shouting 'it's a bank robbery' because at that stage no-one knew it was a murder. Then the police arrived, there were lots of them who arrived really quickly. It's just so sad."
Another passer-by said: "I saw it on Facebook last night and I couldn't believe it. A bloke in the bank being stabbed at 3pm in the afternoon? It's unheard of. Derby city centre is becoming a no go zone these days." While a woman said: "It's just so shocking. Inside a bank in broad daylight. Really awful. "
Detective Inspector Tony Owen said: 'We appreciate that this incident will have caused significant concern to the local community and we'd like to thank them for their patience and understanding. No-one else was hurt and while the investigation is at an early stage, at this time we are treating it as an isolated incident.'
A Lloyds spokesperson: 'We are deeply saddened by the incident at our Derby branch and our thoughts are with those affected. We are supporting our colleagues during this difficult time and will co-operate closely with the police.' Anyone with information should contact the police quoting the reference 25000260624, or contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
