Everything we know after father, 24, knifed to death for Rolex in front of partner in London
Tributes have been pouring in for a father-of-two who was tragically knifed to death in front of his partner in the UK capital.
A murder investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police following the fatal attack in Knightsbridge, London, on Wednesday (9 July) evening.
Blue Stevens was sadly pronounced dead outside of the five-star Park Tower Hotel and Casino on Seville Street, despite the best efforts of emergency responders.
The 24-year-old was fatally stabbed by a masked assailant who had attempted to swipe his Rolex watch, according to reports.
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London's deputy mayor for policing and crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, described the incident as 'appalling', while telling the public there would be 'increased high-visibility police patrols' in the city.
"Knife crime has no place in our streets of communities," she said.
Here's what we know about the tragic case so far.
What happened at the scene?
At around 9.30pm on Wednesday night, Blue and his partner are said to have been heading back to their car after enjoying a meal together.
As they approached the BMW X3, the dad-of-two was reportedly ambushed outside of the Park Tower Hotel.
A mugger sporting a face covering tried to snatch his Rolex watch, according to the Daily Mail.
The details of the moments which followed currently remain unclear, but ultimately, Blue sustained fatal stab wounds.
Police, paramedics and London's Air Ambulance were called to the scene and administered first aid, but the dad tragically succumbed to his injuries.
A spokesperson for the Park Tower Hotel - the outside of which is now filled with flowers and tributes for Blue - told the BBC that none of its guests or staff were connected to the incident.
What do we know about the knifeman?
Little information about the attacker is known at this stage of the investigation, although police are actively hunting the killer.
No description of the knifeman has yet been released, but eyewitness claim to have seen him wearing a mask while riding either an e-scooter or a bike.
The unidentified man is said to have rode away from the scene in Knightsbridge.
It is unclear whether he made off with Blue's watch in the process.
No arrests have yet been made by the Met Police.
What did the police say?
On Thursday (10 July), police announced a murder investigation had been launched in wake of Blue's death.
The force explained that his next-of-kin had been notified and are currently being supported by specialist officers.
Cops said they are currently keeping 'an open mind' about possible motives for the stabbing, despite reports claiming it stemmed from a row over the Rolex.
A crime scene will be in place for some time while officers investigate, the Met added.
Superintendent Owen Renowden, who leads policing in Kensington and Chelsea, said in a statement: "Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones following the shocking events that took place.
"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."
Witnesses or anyone with information on the case have been urged to call 101 referencing CAD 8521/09JUL.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Olivia Burke