Gang attack victim stabbed to death in Mortimer Crescent, West Hampstead - Murder squad detectives launch inquiry

Published: 21st April, 2011
by RICHARD OSLEY

MURDER squad detectives last night (Wednesday) launched an inquiry into the death of a young man who was stabbed to death in the afternoon sunshine.

Police are trying to work out what lay behind the attack in Mortimer Crescent, West Hampstead, soon after 5pm.

The victim, thought to be in his ­early 20s, was found bleeding heavily and died soon after reaching hospital. He has not yet been identified. 

Another man was stabbed in nearby Boundary Road and was also taken to hospital. His condition was described late last night as critical but it is understood there is significant hope he will improve.

The two attacks are being linked and police have begun an appeal for witnesses. The crime scenes were taped off and forensic experts were seen searching for clues.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said it was too early to say whether the attacks were gang-related, as feared by some residents in the area.

He added: “At this stage we are keeping an open mind in regards to a motive for this attack.”