THREE men have been arrested over the “targeted” murder of young dad Blue Stevens in Knightsbridge, it emerged tonight.
The 24-year-old is now believed to have been deliberately targeted by his killer when he was stabbed in the chest in front of partner Yve Hale last Wednesday night.
FacebookBlue Stevens, 24, was stabbed to death outside the Park Tower Hotel and Casino in central London on Wednesday evening[/caption]
FacebookBlue’s mother Charlie Sheridan paid a heartbreaking tribute to her son yesterday[/caption]
UKNIPPolice had taped off an area around the front of the hotel on Thursday – a police tent had also been erected[/caption]
Initially, witnesses believed dad-of-three Blue was the victim of a Rolex robber trying to snatch the gold watch he was wearing at the time of his death.
Detectives believe the attack was targeted and have arrested three men in their 20’s.
Two men were held when cops swooped on an address in Hounslow, West London, on Saturday.
One of the men was held on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and remains in custody.
The other man was arrested on suspicion of murder and has subsequently been released on bail pending further inquiries.
The third man was arrested today at an undisclosed location on suspicion of assisting an offender and is being quizzed by detectives.
Meanwhile, Met cops executed two search warrants in the Chiswick area of West London on Saturday where cops said “significant evidence was recovered.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, who leads policing in Central West London, said: “These arrests mark a significant milestone in this complex and unfolding murder investigation.
“We continue to progress at pace. While we retain an open mind around motive, one line of enquiry is now that this may have been a targeted attack.
“Increased police patrols remain active in and around the Knightsbridge area. Please do speak with an officer if you have any questions or concerns.”
Blue and partner Yve, who have three very young children, were visiting London from their home near Yateley, Hants, when he was attacked.
He comes from a boxing family who are well known in the travelling community.
Yve tried to resuscitate Blue when he was stabbed close to Harrods department store before paramedics arrived.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses told how the attacker rode off on a bicycle, fuelling speculation he died when a robbery went wrong.
But no evidence of robbery was found on CCTV leading detectives to carry out background inquiries on the victim and any potential enemies.
Cops first launched their murder investigation yesterday as countless tributes were paid to the dad, including from his partner and his devastated mum Charlie Sheridan.
The heartbroken parent said: “He lit up my heart every time I laid eyes on him. My only son. I lived for him.
“I can’t stop crying. I can’t breathe.
“Please. I want him back.”
She also posted an image on Facebook with the quote: “Everyone in your life will have a last day with you, and you won’t even know when it will be.
“Cherish them before it’s too late.”
Witnesses say Blue’s partner returned to the scene yesterday to leave a touching tribute to her lover.
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.”
He lit up my heart every time I laid eyes on him. My only son. I lived for him
Charlie Sheridan
Some witnesses said Blue was violently confronted by a man who was attempting to rob him.
Sam, 55, who was staying at the hotel, 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.”
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 is believed to have been returning to his motor when he was suddenly attacked.
Other members of Blue’s family, as well as his friends, paid tribute yesterday, praising 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.
Detectives had said they were pursuing lines of enquiry that Blue’s death may have come as part of a robbery, although this has yet to be confirmed.
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.”
BCU Commander Christina Jessah said: “Our thoughts remain with Blue’s loved ones following this tragic incident and they continue to be supported by specialist officers. They have asked for their privacy as they come to terms with Blue’s death.
“We are working at pace to establish the exact circumstances and advise people avoid speculating while we continue our enquiries.
“We understand the impact this incident has had on the local community and local businesses.
“That is why we have increased the number of police on patrol in the area and I encourage the public to speak to them if they have any questions or concerns.”
PATributes have poured in for the 24-year-old dad[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
