A murder investigation is under way after a young man was stabbed to death outside a busy pub in East London on Sunday evening.
Emergency services were called to Chingford Mount Road just after 9pm, where a 26-year-old man was found collapsed outside The King’s Ford Wetherspoons with a single stab wound to the chest.
Witnesses described a chaotic and distressing scene as drinkers rushed outside to help. Pub staff brought out a defibrillator while one passer-by tried to perform CPR in a desperate bid to save the man’s life. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Crowds watch in horror as medics fight to save victim
One witness, a 28-year-old woman, told reporters: “There was panic and distress. People were running out of the pub with a defibrillator, trying to save the man. A crowd started forming and then police and ambulances turned up. The people from the pub were heroes. They did their best.”
Another local, who asked not to be named, said they heard shouting and saw staff sprinting from the building moments before blue lights filled the street. “It was horrible. You could tell straight away it was serious,” they added.
Police say the victim was known in the area, though his name has not yet been released. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Police appeal for witnesses as no arrests made
The Metropolitan Police confirmed no arrests have yet been made. Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Chief Superintendent Dan Card, who leads policing in the area, said: “We are deeply saddened by the events that took place last night. Our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this hugely difficult time. Detectives are working hard to establish what happened. We understand the impact this will have on the local community and officers will be out on patrol offering reassurance and speaking with residents.”
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 9.11pm on Sunday 6 July to reports of a stabbing. We sent an ambulance crew, paramedics in fast response cars, an advanced paramedic, and an incident response officer. A trauma team from London’s Air Ambulance also attended. Despite their best efforts, the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”
Crime scene remains sealed as detectives hunt killer
The area around the pub remains cordoned off while forensic teams carry out their investigation. Roads surrounding the scene have been closed, with a police tent visible near the entrance to the pub.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage from the area around 9pm to get in touch. Call 101 quoting CAD 7174/6July or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
