Empire Casino stabbing: Man fighting for life after being knifed in London's busy Leicester Square

A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being stabbed at a popular casino in Leicester Square.

The victim, believed to be in his 40s, was found injured in the busy square in the heart of London’s West End at about 5pm on Monday.

He was stabbed inside the Empire Casino and a weapon has been recovered, police said.

A casino employee told the Standard that the venue, normally open round the clock, remained closed overnight while officers continued to investigate the stabbing.

Empire has been approached for further comment.

Tourists and shoppers were left shocked as police vehicles and ambulances swarmed Leicester Square, while an Air Ambulance landed in nearby Trafalgar Square.

A man was arrested at the scene in connection with the shocking incident.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman earlier said: “Police were called at 16:50hrs on Monday, 16 July to reports of a stabbing in Leicester Square.

"Specialist officers, London Ambulance Service (LAS) and London’s Air Ambulance are in attendance.

"The victim is a male believed to be in his 40’s. We await an update on his condition.

“No other injuries have been reported. A man has been detained and arrested at the scene.”

Scotland Yard later confirmed the victim was in a critical condition.