Three arrested after dad, 24, stabbed to death ‘in front of screaming girlfriend' outside 5* hotel & casino
Blue Stevens, 24, tragically died after being attacked outside the five-star Park Tower Hotel and Casino in Knightsbridge, London, on Wednesday evening.
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In an update today, the Metropolitan Police said it had now arrested a trio of men, all in their 20s, in connection with Blue's death.
One has been detained on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and remains in police custody.
Another was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah said: 'These arrests mark a significant milestone in this complex and unfolding murder investigation.
'We continue to progress at pace. While we retain an open mind around motive, one line of enquiry is now that this may have been a targeted attack.
'Increased police patrols remain active in and around the Knightsbridge area. Please do speak with an officer if you have any questions or concerns.'
Blue tragically died outside the luxury Park Tower Hotel and Casino in the heart of London on Wednesday night.
Onlookers watched on in horror as the 24-year-old was stabbed to death in broad daylight while with his partner.
It is not clear whether he had been in the casino beforehand but emergency crews were seen going into and out of the building on Wednesday evening.
Cops launched their murder investigation yesterday as countless tributes were paid to the dad, including from his partner and his devastated mum Charlie Sheridan.
Man in his 30s dies after being stabbed outside casino on posh London street
The heartbroken parent said: "He lit up my heart every time I laid eyes on him. My only son. I lived for him.
"I can't stop crying. I can't breathe.
"Please. I want him back."
She also posted an image on Facebook with the quote: "Everyone in your life will have a last day with you, and you won't even know when it will be.
"Cherish them before it's too late."
Witnesses say Blue's partner returned to the scene yesterday to leave a touching tribute to her lover.
She wrote in a card nestled amongst a large number of floral tributes: "To My Blue. We are all absolutely devastated without you.
"You took a piece of my heart with you. A part of me has gone with you. I love you more than absolutely anyone in this world.
"My boy forever and always."
Some witnesses said Blue was violently confronted by a man who was attempting to rob him.
Sam, 55, who was staying at the hotel, told The Sun: "I saw the guy on the floor and they were trying to revive him. There were about 10 cars, police, medics everything.
"I saw them reviving the guy, it's scary. It was night, he was on the floor you could only see him from a distance.
"The doorman said it was a robbery - apparently they grabbed his bag and ran away.
"The streets were full and all of a sudden someone comes along and stabs someone."
Blue, understood to be from Yateley in Surrey, is believed to have driven to Knightsbridge in a white BMW, Metro reported.
He parked just 50 yards away from the crime scene and is believed to have been returning to his motor when he was suddenly attacked.
Other members of Blue's family, as well as his friends, paid tribute yesterday, praising him for being a "great dad" who would "help anyone out".
One of Blue's cousins also confirmed he had a passion for wrist watches - when prompted on whether Blue may have died as a result of a botched robbery of his timepiece.
Detectives had said they were pursuing lines of enquiry that Blue's death may have come as part of a robbery, although this has yet to be confirmed.
HOTEL 'SADDENED' BY TRAGIC DEATH
A spokesperson for the Park Tower Hotel said: "We are very saddened by this incident that occurred on the street adjacent to our hotel.
"Our thoughts are with the victim's family at this difficult time.
"We can confirm that the incident did not involve any of our hotel guests or staff.
"We are fully cooperating with the authorities as they investigate this matter.
"As this is an active investigation, all inquiries should be directed to the Metropolitan Police."
BCU Commander Christina Jessah said: "Our thoughts remain with Blue's loved ones following this tragic incident and they continue to be supported by specialist officers. They have asked for their privacy as they come to terms with Blue's death.
"We are working at pace to establish the exact circumstances and advise people avoid speculating while we continue our enquiries.
"We understand the impact this incident has had on the local community and local businesses.
"That is why we have increased the number of police on patrol in the area and I encourage the public to speak to them if they have any questions or concerns."
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