Exclusive:DNA evidence at scene of Cosham stabbing proves defendant used a knife, prosecutor says
Abdul and Attiquallah Shinwari - who are not related - both deny attempted murder.
DNA evidence left at the scene of a stabbing indicates who was “likely” wielding the knife, a prosecutor has said.
Abdul and Attiquallah Shinwari are on trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, accused of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm after a stabbing in Hawthorn Crescent on March 12 this year. The former is also charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place. They both deny all charges.
Abdul, 20 from Alma Road, Southampton, was a student at the Highbury campus of the City of Portsmouth College at the time. Attiquallah, 23 from St Helen’s Parade, Southsea, had previously studied there. The two are not related, but appeared in the dock together.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) alleges that they were part of a group of six that attacked Sefatullah Ibrahimkhel and a friend - although they are the only two who face charges.
At Portsmouth Crown Court today (Thursday, September 24), the jury received an agreed statement of facts from prosecution and defence, which included DNA evidence. The facts were read through by Russell Pyne, prosecuting.
He said: “The blade seized from the scene was found to have snapped off from the handle. Mr Ibrahimkhel’s DNA matched that of the blood on the blade. Mr Ibrahimkhel’s DNA matched the blood also found on a stick.
“DNA that could match Atiquallah Shinwari was found on the handle, which was deemend to be more likely than not to be his.
“Both Mr Ibrahimkhel and his friend, Omid Mohammedi, positively identified the defendants when interviewed by police.”
When Abdul and Atiquallah Shinwari were respectively arrested, they were each interviewed with a lawyer present, after being read the caution. Both of them gave no comment interviews.
Atiquallah Shinwari has fled Portsmouth, the jury was previously told, and picked up by officers in Bournemouth after a police officer recognised his face.
Mr Pyne added: “Police attended the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea, to try and locate Atiquallah. The manager informed them that his possessions were in storage - if a resident is not present for eight days, they would be evicted.
“Abdul Shinwari was interviewed by police on March 13 and 14. Atiquallah Shinwari was interviewed on March 25.
“Abdul has no previous convictions recorded against him, but received a caution in 2025 for threatening property damage. Atiquallah has no previous convictions, cautions or reprimands.
“Those are the agreed facts of the case.”
(Proceeding)