POLICE have launched a major hunt for the killer of a man who was stabbed to death outside a luxury hotel and casino last night.
The 24-year-old victim tragically died outside the five-star Park Tower Hotel and Casino in Knightsbridge, London, just steps away from the iconic Harvey Nichols department store.
SelwynPicsCops are currently hunting for the attacker following the horrifying stabbing last night[/caption]
A cordon remained in place this morning while a tent was also erected at the scene of the tragedy
Police seen outside of the Park Tower Casino today
This morning, a police cordon was in place as cops launched a major hunt for the attacker.
A tent could also be seen erected outside the hotel as detectives began their investigation.
It is not clear whether the victim had been in the casino but emergency crews were seen going into and out of the building yesterday evening.
Cops have confirmed that a murder investigation has now been launched and that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the tragic death.
Detectives are also pursuing lines of enquiry that the death may have come as part of a robbery, 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”.
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.”
If you witnessed the death or have any information which may help officers, contact the Met by calling 101, quoting reference CAD 8521/09JUL.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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