Two people were taken into custody in Hounslow, a suburb in west London, and a third man was arrested on Monday, with all three being suspected of involvement in the stabbing of Blue Stevens outside the Park Tower Knightsbridge casino-hotel last Wednesday.
Three Suspects Apprehended for Park Tower Knightsbridge Casino-Hotel Stabbing
Blue Stevens, 24, a father of two, was fatally stabbed in front of his partner outside The Park Tower Casino. According to initial reports, he was apparently trying to fight off a masked assailant attempting to steal his Rolex watch. The casino-hotel, where rooms can cost £1,500 (around US$2,000) per night, is situated just a block away from the iconic Harrods department store in London’s upscale Knightsbridge neighborhood.
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah described the arrests as a significant milestone in the ongoing and complex murder investigation. She stated that the investigation was progressing swiftly and noted that, while the motive remained unclear, one line of inquiry now suggested the attack may have been targeted. Jessah also confirmed that increased police patrols were continuing in and around the Knightsbridge area and encouraged members of the public to approach officers with any questions or concerns.
Residents report a growing trend of criminals targeting individuals with high-end goods, and police data reveal that street robberies in Knightsbridge and neighboring Belgravia surged by 33% in the year leading up to June. Despite early speculation, police stated on Monday that they are keeping all possibilities open regarding the motive, noting that Stevens may have been the victim of a targeted attack.
What Happened on that Faithful Day
Emergency services responded to the Park Tower Hotel on Seville Street in Knightsbridge shortly before 9:30 pm BST on Wednesday. According to the Metropolitan Police, paramedics attempted to treat Mr. Stevens for stab wounds, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Stevens was a resident of Yateley, Hampshire. His family has been notified and is receiving support from specially trained officers. Flowers, cards, and a blue candle have been placed at the scene as a tribute.
The location of the incident is typically associated with high-end shopping, multimillion-pound properties, and notable landmarks such as Harrods and Hyde Park. Police had cordoned off the pavement around the hotel and the nearby restaurant Nusr-Et, operated by Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe, also known as “Salt Bae.”
A Park Tower spokesperson explained that none of the guests or staff of the casino-hotel were involved in the incident. The spokesperson further added that the Knightsbridge is saddened by the situation and their thoughts are with the victim’s family.