Young Dad Killed Protecting Rolex Outside Exclusive London Casino

• Victim attacked while defending Rolex from masked thief
• Crime scene cordoned off near Park Tower Knightsbridge
• Police pursuing robbery angle, no arrests confirmed yet

A man stabbed to death outside an exclusive London casino-hotel may have been the victim of a botched robbery.

Witnesses said Blue Stevens, 24, was stabbed in front of his partner as he tried to fend off a masked thief who was attempting to steal his gold Rolex watch, according to multiple reports in the UK media.

Perp at Large

Guests staying at the Park Tower Knightsbridge reported hearing a commotion and police sirens at about 9:25 pm on Wednesday. According to one witness, a man was seen lying on the ground as paramedics tried to revive him.

Stevens, a father of one, was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the emergency services arrived around 9:30 pm, according to London’s Met Police.

“We are aware of reports that this incident was a robbery,” said a spokesperson for the Met’s Specialist Crime Command. “Although this is an active line of inquiry, we are keeping an open mind about all possible motives and the exact circumstances are still to be determined.”

Increase in Crime

The £1.5K per night (US$2K) Park Tower is a block away from the iconic Harrod’s department store in London’s wealthy Knightsbridge district. Locals have reported an increase in criminals targeting the area for victims carrying expensive items. The incident didn’t involve any of the hotel’s guests or staff, according to a spokesperson for the hotel.

“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,” read the statement.

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.”

Stevens’ partner was among those to leave flowers at the scene to pay tribute, The Sun reports.

“To my Blue, we are all absolutely devastated without you,” read an accompanying note. “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.”