Police have named the man who was stabbed to death in Elephant and Castle on Tuesday night (December 14) as Ian Gualavisi.
Officers continue to appeal for anyone who has information about restaurant manager Mr Gualavisi’s tragic death to come forward. They believe the attack was done by two men who left on a moped.
Police were called to reports of a stabbing at 7.46pm on Maldonado Walk off Hampton Street, a few minutes’ walk south of the Elephant and Castle roundabout. Mr Gualavisi, who was born in London, was found with a stab wound to his back.
Despite the best efforts of the London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance who attended with officers, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Formal identification has yet to take place and a post-mortem examination will take place today (December 16).
Officers have begun a murder investigation, although no arrests have been made yet.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood said: “A dedicated team of officers is working round the clock to trace those responsible for taking Ian’s life and my thoughts are with his family as they come to terms with their tragic loss.
“While we remain in the early stages of the investigation, we believe Ian was attacked by two men who left the scene on a moped towards Elephant and Castle Railway Station.
“We are in the process of collecting CCTV from the area and speaking to people who were nearby at the time of the attack. I would urge anyone who hasn’t spoken to us yet to contact police as soon as possible.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information about what took place, should call 101 giving the reference 6908/14DEC. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.