Omar Abdullah: Police name 21-year-old victim stabbed to death near Regent’s Park

Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old man near Regent’s Park have named the victim as Omar Abdullah.

Emergency services including London’s air ambulance were called to reports of a stabbing in Lilestone Street, Westminster at 3.23pm on Monday, where they found two men with injuries.

Abdullah was pronounced dead at the scene while a second man, aged 20, was taken to hospital with a stab wound. He remains in a critical condition.

Later that day, a third man – aged 21 – attended hospital for treatment to a hand injury believed to have been sustained as part of this incident. His condition is not thought to be serious.

The force is treating the incident as murder.

No arrests have been made.

Det Ch Insp Brian Howie who heads up one of the Met’s Homicide Investigation Teams said: “A young man has died and his family and friends have been left devastated, while a second man fights for his life, due to the consequences of knife crime on our streets.

“My team of experienced detectives are on scene piecing together the information we have already gathered about what happened.

“But we need the public’s help to provide this man’s family with the answers they so desperately need, and arrest and bring those responsible to justice.

“This incident occurred in a public place in Lilestone Street and there would have been many people who witnessed the events escalate.

“Did you see anything that could help our investigation? Did you capture any images or film of the events on either a mobile device or dashcam? I am urging anyone who was in the area and can assist us to understand the events that has led to this tragic murder to speak with us.

“There are both uniform officers and homicide detectives on scene, please approach one of them or if you don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously and tell them what you know.”

Det Ch Insp Owain Richards, the local policing commander for Westminster, said: "This is a tragic incident and I am deeply saddened that another young life has been lost to knife crime on the streets of London.

“I know the community will join me in sending our thoughts to the victim’s family at this awful time.

"I appreciate people will want answers about what happened, but I would like to ask that our dedicated team of detectives are given the time and space they need to conduct their enquiries.

“A large number of officers will remain in the area and I’d encourage anyone with immediate concerns to speak to them."

At this early stage any witnesses are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 4334/28Nov. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.