A man who assaulted and threatened to kill a staff member at a South London chicken shop on Christmas Eve has been sentenced to three years in prison.

On 24 December 2025, Marwan Khadir, 18 (08.08.2007) of Malcolm Close, Penge, carried out an armed attack which lasted over two minutes using a realistic imitation firearm. He threatened to shoot and kill the victim and assaulted him multiple times after complaining about his order.

Today’s sentencing comes as the Met continues to crack down on the use and illicit sale of both real and imitation firearms, building on progress made last year which saw 676 guns taken off London’s streets.

The victim reported the assault on Christmas Day. The fast-paced investigation that followed saw officers identify Khadir through intensive CCTV and financial tracking, as well as local resident checks which all took place between Christmas and New Years’ Day.

Officers also conducted large-scale phone work in order to identify Khadir’s address and worked in tandem with firearms command to obtain warrants for his arrest on 2 January. Following the arrest, officers seized the replica gun Khadir used in the attack, as well as fake ammunition.

The high-quality CCTV which captured the offence, coupled with the weapon and matching clothing seized by officers contributed to the creation of an incredibly strong evidence package.

Detective Sergeant Amy Cross, who led the investigation, said: “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 30 January, Khadir pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, making threats to kill and assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH).