A MAN who was stabbed to death outside a luxury hotel and casino has been pictured for the first time.
Dad Blue Stevens, 24, tragically died after being attacked outside the five-star Park Tower Hotel and Casino in Knightsbridge, London, yesterday evening.
FacebookBlue Stevens, 24, was stabbed to death in a shocking broad daylight attack in Knightsbridge, London, yesterday evening[/caption]
Tributes have poured in for the dad after the tragedy on Wednesday nightFacebook
SelwynPicsA crime scene was in place at the scene today with a yellow tent erected outside the Park Tower Casino[/caption]
Police are still hunting for Blue’s killer, with a large police presence and cordon seen outside the hotel today as detectives began their investigation.
Witnesses reported seeing the killer try to steal a watch from Blue’s wrist before he resisted, leading to a violent confrontation.
Onlookers watched on in horror as the 24-year-old was stabbed to death yesterday evening while with his partner.
Witnesses say she then returned to the scene today to leave a touching tribute to Blue.
She wrote in a card nestled amongst a large number of floral tributes: “To My Blue. We are all absolutely devastated without you.
“You took a piece of my heart with you. A part of me has gone with you. I love you more than absolutely anyone in this world.
“My boy forever and always.”
Blue, understood to be from Yateley in Surrey, is believed to have driven to Knightsbridge in a white BMW, Metro reported.
He parked just 50 yards away from the crime scene and was believed to have been returning to his motor when he was suddenly attacked.
It is not clear whether Blue had been in the casino beforehand but emergency crews were seen going into and out of the building on Wednesday night.
Among the tributes to Blue were from his family members and friends who praised him for being a “great dad” who would “help anyone out”.
One of Blue’s cousins also confirmed he had a passion for wrist watches – when prompted on whether Blue may have died as a result of a botched robbery of his timepiece.
Today, Cops confirmed that a murder investigation had been launched although no arrests have yet been made in connection with Blue’s death.
Detectives are also pursuing lines of enquiry that Blue’s death may have come as part of a robbery – as reported by witnesses – although this is yet to be confirmed.
One guest at the hotel described the horrific scenes as he watched paramedics try to revive the stabbed victim.
Sam, 55, told The Sun: “I saw the guy on the floor and they were trying to revive him. There were about 10 cars, police, medics everything.
“I saw them reviving the guy, it’s scary. It was night, he was on the floor you could only see him from a distance.
“The doorman said it was a robbery – apparently they grabbed his bag and ran away.
“The streets were full and all of a sudden someone comes along and stabs someone.”
Sam added that he had met someone at the hotel today who was cutting their trip short as they had become “scared for their family”.
Police are now hunting for a suspect in connection to Blue’s deathFacebook
LNPHeartbreaking tributes were left at the scene on Thursday[/caption]
SelwynPicsCops were scene guarding the area on Thursday afternoon[/caption]
Other witnesses also reported that the killer had tried to “take the victim’s watch”.
Saad Alnuamy, 45, who was also staying at the hotel, said: “In London you can’t wear expensive things, they [robbers] come often.
“It’s very dangerous to wear expensive things. Even carrying them from the shop.
“Still I see people wearing crazy expensive stuff here. Even if I buy something I ask them to deliver to the hotel I don’t carry it.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “At 9.24pm 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.
“The officers gave first aid on arrival but despite the best efforts of all the emergency services, the man sadly died at the scene.
“The man’s next-of-kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.”
Officers also confirmed that the crime scene, established last night, would be in place for “some time” as officers continue their investigation.
HOTEL ‘SADDENED’ BY TRAGIC DEATH
A spokesperson for the Park Tower Hotel said: “We are very saddened by this incident that occurred on the street adjacent to our hotel.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time.
“We can confirm that the incident did not involve any of our hotel guests or staff.
“We are fully cooperating with the authorities as they investigate this matter.
“As this is an active investigation, all inquiries should be directed to the Metropolitan Police.”
Superintendent Owen Renowden added: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones following the shocking events that took place last night.
“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 enquiry, 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.”
LNPCops stand by tributes left at the scene[/caption]
A police tent and cordon has been put in place around the hotel
Family and friends were seen laying flowers at the scene of the tragedy today Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
