Knightsbridge stabbing: Dad, 24, pictured after 'trying to fight off watch thief' outside 5-star hotel

A 24-year-old dad has been named as the man who was stabbed to death outside a London casino yesterday, as a thief tried to steal his watch.

Blue Stevens died at the scene shortly after 9.30pm yesterday as police began a murder inquiry.

He had been walking outside a high-end London casino with his girlfriend when he was knifed by the man. Paramedics were unable to save the Mr Stevens who died in the street.

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A forensics tent was seen this morning erected outside the £420-per-night Park Tower Hotel and Casino.

One witness, who worked at a nearby luxury hotel close to the murder scene said he was working when the incident took place.

He told the Mail: "My secretary told me a masked man tried to rob his watch. It was a couple. But the guy pulled out his hand and he took out his knife and stabbed him. The couple were walking along the pavement and he tried to fight back but the guy took the knife and stabbed him in the chest. The police chased the guy but I don't think they caught him.

"I saw a little bit of the CCTV. I saw the man lying out on the pavement, a woman was supporting him and crying. There was a lot of blood. He was wearing a white or cream coloured t-shirt. He was unconscious."

Some witnesses say the killer was on an electric scooter but others say he was on a bike. Tourists and hotel guests in the area have said they are fleeing the capital due to safety fears.

A Japanese tourist told reporters: "A woman who looked like she was with the injured man was screaming 'Oh my God' again and again. She was very very agitated, it was horrible for us to see. We can’t get the incident out of our heads. We didn’t sleep last night."

Mr Stevens was given first aid, but despite the best efforts of emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance, he died at the scene.

The force added that his next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers. No arrests have been made at this time, with police saying a crime scene "will be in place for some time while officers investigate."

Superintendent 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. 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."