What started as a quiet afternoon in the heart of Derby turned into something unimaginable—a fatal stabbing inside a city centre bank that left the local community in shock.
The victim has been identified locally as Gurvinder Singh Johal, a beloved restaurant owner affectionately known to friends as Danny.
Johal was not just a familiar face in the city’s food scene—he was a well-respected business owner who ran the Hen and Chickens Bar and Grill in Shelton Lock.
News of his death has rocked locals, especially those who knew him as a humble, hard-working man devoted to his family.
Police Rush to the Scene but It’s Too Late
The attack took place just after 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon inside Lloyds Bank on St Peter’s Street.
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, rushed to the scene.
But despite their efforts, the victim—believed to be in his 30s—was pronounced dead on-site.
The sudden violence in such a public space left witnesses horrified, and a wide police cordon was immediately set up.
A large police presence has remained in the area ever since, as detectives try to piece together what happened and why.
Community Devastated Over Loss of a Gentle Soul
Local councillor Ajit Atwal, a personal friend of Johal’s, spoke about the heartbreak that has followed.
Though he avoided sharing too many details out of respect for the family, he described Johal as “humble, quiet, and kind”—someone who never hesitated to help others.
“It’s a sad day for Derby,” Atwal said. “He was just getting on with his life.
What happened to him is completely senseless. His family is devastated and struggling to come to terms with it.”
Two Men Arrested After Attack
Police wasted no time in launching a murder investigation.
Later that evening, two men were arrested at a house of multiple occupancy in Normanton, which is just under a mile away from the bank.
One of the suspects, a man in his 40s, is currently being held on suspicion of murder.
Another man, in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Both remain in custody as detectives continue their work.
Police Say It Was an Isolated Incident
Authorities are working hard to reassure the public.
While the investigation is still in its early stages, Derbyshire Police believe this was an isolated incident and that no one else is in danger.
Detective Inspector Tony Owen, who is leading the case, acknowledged the community’s concern and thanked people for their patience.
He confirmed that no one else was harmed during the attack and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Lloyds Bank Responds to the Shocking Incident
In a statement following the tragedy, managers at Lloyds Bank expressed their deep sadness over what had happened.
They confirmed that the attack was not related to a robbery and that they are cooperating closely with the police while supporting staff members affected by the trauma.
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this terrible incident,” a spokesperson said.
Public Asked to Help With the Ongoing Investigation
As police work to uncover what led to the shocking incident, they’ve made a public appeal for information.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any relevant details is urged to reach out.
You can contact Derbyshire Police by calling 101, messaging the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page, or using their online contact form with reference number 25000260624.
For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers is available at 0800 555 111 or through their website.
A City in Mourning
The loss of Gurvinder Singh Johal has left a deep scar on Derby’s heart.
A family has lost a son, a friend, a community figure—and a city is asking why something so brutal could happen to someone so gentle.
As the investigation continues, the hope now is for justice and for answers.
And for those who knew and loved Danny, it’s a time of grief, remembrance, and solidarity.