Police have today sealed off an exclusive London street and are hunting for a killer after a man was stabbed to death outside a high-end casino.
The murder victim died outside the £1,650-a-night 5-star Park Tower Hotel and Casino, which is directly across the road from the Harvey Nichols department store in Knightsbridge.
The stabbing took place in Seville Street, which is also close to Harrods, a host of luxury stores and also Hyde Park.
The Park Tower Hotel and Casino is also next door to Nusr-Et, the steakhouse run by celebrity chef Salt Bae.
One witness described the scene as 'bloody' and it remains sealed off and under police guard today. There have been no arrests.
It is not known if the victim had been in the casino but emergency services were seen going in and out of the building last night.
The murder came hours after London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan promised a police blitz on crime in the capital, including knife crime.
A Scotland Yard spokesman 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.
'One victim, a man in his 30s, was found at the scene with stab wounds and was treated by paramedics.
'Sadly, despite their best efforts he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.
'Emergency services remain at the location. A crime scene has been established.
'Several lines of enquiry are ongoing. At this stage no arrests have been made'.
Shocked commuters could be seen leaving the Knightsbridge Tube station exit outside Harvey Nichols and walking around the cordoned off murder scene.
The main entrance to the upmarket designer store has been blocked off by a large cordon spanning across to Salt Bae's iconic Nusr-et steak restaurant.
Police officers can be seen standing guard outside the Park Tower Casino as morning commuters on foot and in cars go past.
One nearby worker told MailOnline he had left his shift shortly before the stabbing.
He said: 'What an area for this to happen. Who would be carrying a knife around here?
'We see stolen phones but a murder? I can't believe it. There's cameras everywhere here.'
Yesterday Sir Sadiq Khan announced a policing blitz on London's 20 most troubled town centres, specifically for shoplifting, robbery, knife crime and anti-social behaviour.
His Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: 'The safety of our town centres is more than just policing – it's about building stronger, more connected communities where everyone feels secure.
'Across our city there will be partnership led operations to tackle shoplifting and clear, visible neighbourhood officers out on patrol, keeping our communities safe and working to build safer town centres and a safer London for everyone'.
Call police on 101 referencing CAD 8521/09JUL if you were a witness or have any information which might help. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
