Man stabbed to death 'by masked attacker' in London’s 'Rolex Ripper' hotspot

Attack happened on Wednesday night between upmarket store and Park Tower Club hotel

Police at the scene of the fatal stabbing in London, on Thursday. Lemma Shehadi / The National

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was killed in a street attack by a masked man in one of the most upmarket parts of London.

The victim, in his twenties, was stabbed to death in front of his partner near Harvey Nichols department store and the five-star Park Tower Club hotel. The hotel is home to the Nusr-Et Steakhouse run by celebrity chef Salt Bae.

Police have closed off the pavement outside the Park Tower Casino and Hotel in Seville Street after the man was attacked at around 9pm.

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Flowers were laid at the scene in Knightsbridge by two women who said they were family on Thursday. A card placed with the flowers read: "Blue Stevens, May you rest in peace. Pray for the broken hearted."

Reports suggest the man was attacked by a watch thief. London has gained a reputation for “Rolex Rippers” on bikes or scooters targeting areas such as Knightsbridge and Mayfair by working with spotters on the lookout for people wearing expensive watches.

Workers at a nearby restaurant said a man in a balaclava carried out the attack.

At the scene, Mortada Ahmed, who is staying at the hotel and works for families in Bahrain who spend their holidays in London, told The National that the city feels increasingly unsafe. He said he does not walk on the street and takes cars everywhere.

“It's getting worse, and in Paris too,” he said.

A police spokesman said: “At 21.24 on Wednesday, July 9, officers, the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance responded to reports of a stabbing on Seville Street, Knightsbridge.

“Officers attended the scene and found a 24-year-old man who had been stabbed. No arrests have been made at this early stage and a crime scene will be in place for some time while officers investigate.”

Supt Owen Renowden, who leads policing in Kensington and Chelsea, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones following the shocking events that took place last night.

Flowers are laid at the scene in Knightsbridge, west London. Lemma Shehadi / The National

“Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, supported by local officers, are working at pace to establish the circumstances of what happened.

“We are aware of reports that this incident was a robbery. Although this is an active line of inquiry, we are keeping an open mind about all possible motives and the exact circumstances are still to be determined.

“We understand the impact this incident will have on the local community and you will see extra officers in the area to help answer any questions or concerns.”