London: Met to launch murder investigation after Elephant and Castle stabbing
Male restaurant manager dies after being stabbed in the back London has been named.
Ian Gualavisi was attacked on Tuesday night at Elephant Castle and died of his wounds.
Paramedics fought to save the 23-year-old in the restaurant but he could not be revived.
A murder investigation is underway and police are hunting for two men who are believed to have fled on a motorcycle towards the station.
The Met has described the incident as another example of ‘injury’ knife crime being perpetrated in the capital.
Official identification has not yet taken place but the victim’s family is being supported by specially trained officers.
It is not clear from information released by the Met whether Mr Gualavisi was killed in the restaurant he operated.
The brutal attack happened around 7.45 p.m. at a facility on Maldonado Walk, off Hampton Road, near a subway station.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood said: ‘A team of dedicated officers are working around the clock to track down those responsible for taking Ian’s life and my thoughts are with his family as they deal with their tragic loss.
‘While we are still in the early stages of our investigation, we believe Ian was attacked by two men leaving the scene on a moped towards Elephant and Castle Railway Station.
‘We were in the process of collecting CCTV from the area and speaking to people nearby at the time of the attack. I urge anyone who has not spoken to us to contact the police as soon as possible. ‘
Chief executive Colin Wingrove, responsible for local security in Lambeth and Southwark, said: ‘I am shocked and saddened to have lost a senseless life to knife crime.
‘I am deeply saddened that another family had to go through the loss of a son, and knife crime that caused injury was once again experienced in our local community. Our thoughts are with Ian’s family, who are being supported by specialist officers.
‘Every loss of life is a tragedy and this needless violence must end. I urge anyone with information to go ahead.
‘You will continue to see a more visible police presence on the streets for reassurance and if you have any questions please speak to officers or contact your local police squad. “
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https://metro.co.uk/2021/12/16/london-met-launch-murder-probe-after-elephant-and-castle-stabbing-15780940/ London: Met to launch murder investigation after Elephant and Castle stabbing