Islington stabbing: Man knifed to death in 'horrifying' daylight attack on busy Upper Street
A man has been stabbed to death on a busy street in broad daylight in north London as the capital's knife-crime epidemic continued.
The victim, who has not yet been named, was found suffering from stab wounds on Upper Street, Islington, at around 6.30pm on Monday.
Police and paramedics rushed to attend but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
A cordon was put in place along the road, which is lined with high-end shops and restaurants.
Islington councillor Paul Convery described the attack as "horrifying".
He tweeted: "Shocking incident on Upper Street right now outside Town Hall. Reported that man fatally stabbed."
Police have launched an investigation but no arrests have yet been made.
Officials have said that the nearby St Mary's church will be open for food and shelter overnight as many residents are unable to access their homes on Upper Street.
BREAKING- stabbing in Islington, Upper street. Upper street has been blocked off from Highbury corner too St Mary’s church.#islington #crime #knifecrime #london pic.twitter.com/qOIDrQSLo8
— FORthePEOPLE (@MediaFtp) May 21, 2018
Fatal stabbing happened on upper street islington becareful on ur way home pic.twitter.com/aE0lDIcCp6
— Hold Me Tight Music video OUT NOW (@BlazeBarnation) May 21, 2018
The cordon extends from Barnsbury Street to Islington Park Road.
At least a dozen police officers are at the scene, and forensic officers are scanning the road near to where the stabbing took place.
A tent remains over the spot where the incident happened, while at least eight emergency vehicles are in the cordon, including an ambulance.
Local business owner Gregory Barry said he saw the incident unfold over his CCTV.
He said: "There were two blokes in a van, it pulled up on the street.
"It looked like there was an altercation and the fight carried on outside the van."
Officers are appealing for anyone with information to contact the Metropolitan Police.
I'm in close contact with @metpoliceuk, @EmilyThornberry & and @RichardWatts01 following a fatal stabbing in Islington tonight. My thoughts are with the victim’s family.
To anyone with information - please contact police on 101 or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111. https://t.co/z6qlhiRDHk— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 21, 2018
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted: "I remain in close contact with @metpoliceuk, the local MP and Leader of the Council following a fatal stabbing in Islington this evening.
"This is being investigated by officers and my thoughts are with the victim's family."
It comes after three people died from knife wounds in the capital within 72 hours last week.
At this early stage, anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting ref: CAD5952/21May.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.