Man stabbed near Kew Gardens 'as he tried to enter his car'

An "educated" man was stabbed while leaving a coffee shop close to Kew Gardens.

The victim, in his 50s, was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

It is understood that the man was trying to get into his car when he was attacked.

Gino Gashi, 40, a barrista at the Torellis cafe, said that a man had tried to rob his customer.

Gashi said: "The victim came in and asked for a coffee and we spoke about the Arsenal-Chelsea game.

"We spoke for about five minutes, and he left and said goodbye – we could see him at his car.

"He has a Ford Focus RS, the man could have tried to rob him for that or his wallet.

"A man came up to him, and then he ran back into the shop saying, 'I've been stabbed'.

"Police came quickly, there were at least five cars parked up outside.

"I've had a call from the victim's son, he is okay in hospital. He is an educated man, a good friend."

Scotland Yard said: "Police were called to Kew, west London, just before 8am on Sunday following reports of a knife attack.

"The victim, who is in his 50s, was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition."

A cordon is in place at the scene – just five minutes' walk from the gates of the botanical gardens.

Scotland Yard said: "No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

"The investigation is being conducted by Richmond CID."