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Man, 21, arrested on suspicion of murdering florist fatally stabbed near his London stall

Tony Eastlake was knifed to death in north London just before 5.30pm on Saturday.
Tony Eastlake was knifed to death in north London just before 5.30pm on Saturday.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a florist who was stabbed to death near his stall in broad daylight.

The 21-year-old suspect was taken into police custody on Tuesday.

Tony Eastlake was killed in north London just before 5.30pm on Saturday.

Paramedics and police rushed to the scene in Essex Road, Islington, where Eastlake was found with a stab wound.

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Despite battling to save his life, the 55-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives investigating the killing said they believed the suspect and the victim knew each other and that they did not believe the killing was a result of a robbery.

Eastlake's family described him as a "very special man" who was "loved by everybody" in the community.

Watch: Applause for 'flower man of Islington' after stabbing death

In a statement, his family said: "Our hearts are broken forever at the loss of such a very special man.

"A man who was loved by everybody in the Islington community, who is remembered as kind and caring and always laughing, but most importantly a father who leaves behind a devastated family – Lisa, Pauline, and his only daughter and best friend Paige, who he adored.

"Tony worked on the flower stall on Essex Road since he was 14 years old and was there through rain or shine, a smiling and friendly face to so many of us.

"There have already been hundreds of messages of support for him from all those who knew and loved him over the years.

"We ask you now please for your support in helping us to find the person or people who did this to our family, who took away a life so violently and unnecessarily.

"If you have any information at all we beg you to please come forward so we can get justice for Tony and his family."

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Detective chief inspector Vicky Tunstall, leading the investigation for the Met Police, urged people to come forward or check CCTV and dashcam footage.

She said: "Our dedicated team of officers have worked tirelessly since Saturday evening to identify the person suspected of the murder of Tony Eastlake.

"I hope this brings some reassurance to the community after what was an incredibly traumatic and unsettling incident that has cost the life of a well-loved and respected man.

"I can confirm that this attack is not believed to have occurred as a result of a robbery. We continue to appeal to anyone who might have seen anything to please come forward to police."

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