Police investigate fatal stabbing outside luxury London hotel amid concerns over watch-targeting gangs

A murder investigation is underway following the fatal stabbing of a 24-year-old man outside the Park Tower Hotel and Casino in Knightsbridge, west London — an area increasingly known for opportunistic gangs targeting high-end watches and luxury goods.

The victim, identified as Blue Stevens from Yateley, Surrey, was attacked on the pavement outside the five-star hotel around 12.30am on Wednesday. Emergency services, including the London Air Ambulance, rushed to the scene but Stevens was pronounced dead shortly after. Witnesses reported a brief altercation followed by the victim collapsing from a single stab wound.

Initial investigations suggest the attack may have been part of an attempted robbery — with early reports indicating Stevens was targeted for his Rolex watch. No arrests have been made so far, and the Metropolitan Police say inquiries are continuing, with CCTV footage from the hotel and surrounding businesses currently being reviewed.

The killing has prompted renewed scrutiny of Knightsbridge and nearby Mayfair, areas long seen as havens for luxury shoppers but now increasingly described as hunting grounds for organised watch thieves. In recent years, police have recorded a spike in so-called “Rolex muggings” — quick, targeted attacks that often involve knives or mopeds.

“This is sadly not surprising anymore,” said a Knightsbridge business owner who asked not to be named. “We’ve seen an uptick in these violent snatch-and-run robberies. It’s often young men being followed from hotels, restaurants, or nightclubs. They’re being watched.”

Residents and hotel guests say the presence of high-value vehicles and designer boutiques makes the area a magnet for criminals. Some have called for an increased visible police presence, especially at night.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a senseless act of violence that has left a young man dead and a family grieving. We are following several lines of inquiry and urge anyone who was in the area, or who may have dashcam or phone footage, to come forward immediately.”

Tributes have poured in for Stevens, who friends described on social media as a “loyal friend” and a “devoted dad.” A growing shrine of flowers and candles has appeared at the scene, as shocked locals and tourists pass by.

The killing follows a string of incidents in which individuals have been attacked in affluent parts of London for high-end wristwatches. In one 2022 police report, over 600 luxury watches were stolen in Westminster alone in a 12-month period. Criminals, often working in pairs, may use mopeds or e-bikes to make fast getaways.

Former police officers have warned that social media and location-tagged photos often help criminals track potential victims. In several recent cases, celebrities and influencers have been targeted after sharing pictures of themselves wearing valuable items.

The Metropolitan Police said it would be deploying reassurance patrols in the area over the coming days and is working with hotel security staff and nearby businesses. While violent crime remains relatively rare in Knightsbridge compared to other parts of the capital, the brazenness of such attacks has shaken public confidence.

“This case should be a wake-up call,” said a local councillor. “We cannot allow one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods to become a hotspot for violent theft.”