Latest news with #OwenRenowden
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Man stabbed to death in London's luxury district amid growing ‘Rolex Ripper' fears
A masked attacker stabbed a man to death in London's exclusive Knightsbridge area this week, in what appears to be the latest in a disturbing wave of violent watch thefts attributed to so-called 'Rolex Rippers", The National reported. The thieves, often masked and riding bikes or scooters, are known for targeting people wearing high-end watches such as Rolexes.(Representational) The thieves, often masked and riding bikes or scooters, are known for targeting people wearing high-end watches such as Rolexes. This latest attack, which took place around 9 PM near a luxury department store and a five-star hotel, has raised further alarm about the growing boldness of these criminals. The victim, a 24-year-old man, was reportedly with his partner when he was attacked. According to staff at a nearby restaurant, the suspect was wearing a balaclava, consistent with the disguises often worn by Rolex Rippers to hide their identity. Police confirmed they were called at 9.24 PM on July 9 and found the victim critically injured on Seville Street. Emergency services, including London's Air Ambulance, responded to the scene, but the man was pronounced dead shortly after. No arrests have been made so far. Mortada Ahmed, who was staying at the hotel near the scene, told The National that the city feels increasingly unsafe. He said he avoids walking on the streets altogether, opting for cars instead, and added that the situation is worsening not just in London but in cities like Paris as well. Superintendent Owen Renowden, leading the investigation, said detectives are working quickly to piece together what happened. While robbery is a possible motive, he noted that police are keeping an open mind as they explore all potential angles. He added that extra officers would be deployed in the area to reassure residents and answer concerns. The incident underscores growing fears about violent street crimes in some of London's wealthiest neighbourhoods, where luxury goods are making people targets in broad daylight
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Man stabbed to death in front of partner 'trying to stop mugger grabbing watch'
A forensics tent was seen this morning erected outside the £420-per-night Park Tower Hotel and Casino in Knightsbridge after a man was stabbed to death in front of his partner A man was stabbed to death in front of his terrified partner after fighting back when a masked man tried to grab his gold watch outside a luxury hotel and casino, eyewitnesses have said. The couple was walking outside a high-end London casino when he was knifed by the man at around 9.30pm yesterday. A police manhunt was launched after paramedics were unable to save the 24-year-old man who died in the street. 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." The Met Police have now launched a murder investigation following the stabbing, with an update from the force saying they were called at 9.24pm last night to "reports from the members of the public of a stabbing". Officers attended the scene where they found a 24-year-old man who had been stabbed. He 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." The death comes after the capital's mayor Sir Sadiq Khan announced a new sweeping policing directive on 20 London town centres, where criminal behaviour is blighting people's lives. Deputy mayor for policing and crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: 'Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for our police with a large number of people out and about and our high streets and town streets are bustling. 'But the safety of our town centres is not just about policing – it's about building stronger, more connected communities where everyone feels secure.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Man stabbed to death near five-star hotel in central London
A murder investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed to death near a five-star hotel and casino in central London. Detectives are investigating reports the incident shortly before 9.30pm on Wednesday was a watch robbery. Police said a 24-year-old man died at the scene after being stabbed in Seville Street, Knightsbridge. Pictures from the scene show a cordon and tent erected outside the Park Tower, a five-star hotel and casino. The building is in the heart of Knightsbridge, next to Hyde Park and near the Harrods department store. No arrests have been made and the crime scene will remain in place while officers investigate, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. The force said the victim's family are being supported by specialist officers. Read more from Sky News: Superintendent Owen Renowden 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."
Sky News
6 days ago
- Sky News
Man stabbed to death near five-star hotel in central London
A murder investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed to death near a five-star hotel and casino in central London. Detectives are investigating reports the incident shortly before 9.30pm on Wednesday was a watch robbery. Police said a 24-year-old man died at the scene after being stabbed in Seville Street, Knightsbridge. Pictures from the scene show a cordon and tent erected outside the Park Tower, a five-star hotel and casino. The building is in the heart of Knightsbridge, next to Hyde Park and near the Harrods department store. No arrests have been made and the crime scene will remain in place while officers investigate, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. The force said the victim's family are being supported by specialist officers. Superintendent Owen Renowden 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."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Man stabbed to death in central London's Knightsbridge
A man has been stabbed to death in central London's Knightsbridge – with police launching a murder probe and investigating reports that the incident was a robbery. Just before 9.30pm on Wednesday, the London Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance responded to reports from the public about a stabbing in Seville Street, near Hyde Park, the Metropolitan Police said. Officers attended and gave first aid to a 24-year-old man who had been stabbed, but he died at the scene. No arrests have been made so far and a crime scene will remain in place, the force said. The man's next-of-kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers. Superintendent Owen Renowden 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 inquiry, 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.' People are urged to call police on 101 referencing CAD 8521/09JUL, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, with any information.
