A man has been fatally stabbed during a row in which ‘all hell let loose’ at his north west London flat, witnesses said.
The victim, 40, had recently moved into the property in Tollgate Gardens, Maida Vale, following the death of his grandmother.
Neighbours report hearing ‘screaming and shouting’ from the flat as a vicious argument erupted on Friday.
Police and paramedics rushed to the block. The man, who has not been named, was treated at the scene for a stomach wound and other injuries.
He died in hospital after the attack and specialist family liaison officers from the Metropolitan Police are supporting his family.
A murder investigation has been launched as the killer remains on the loose following the incident at 9.40pm on Friday.
An 89-year-old neighbour of the victim, who did not want to be named, told Metro: ‘There was screaming and shouting. I couldn’t make out what was being said but it was very heated.
‘Then all hell let loose with police everywhere, it was frightening really. Then I was told there had been a stabbing at one of the flats.’
He said the victim was the grandson of the previous elderly tenant of the flat who had died.
He added: ‘He was a decent guy – recently got a knock on the door from him and he told me I had left my keys in the lock and I should be careful.
‘He was the type to look out for people. It’s a big shock what happened it’s frightening to think the killer is still out there.’
Forensics officers are scouring for clues at the block, which is opposite a Marriott hotel and Carluccio’s brasserie.
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Meanwhile, detectives have carried out door-to-door enquiries and are trawling through CCTV footage from the area.
Westminster Council, which runs Tollgate House, has dispatched extra security patrols following the death.
Another neighbour told Metro: ‘It’s terrible what happened. There was a loud argument then police officers rushing up the stairs shortly after.
‘To think a neighbour had been stabbed in their own home is shocking.’
It is believed that the victim lived alone in the flat, but regularly had his friends around.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby said: ‘We are working to establish the full circumstances around this incident.
‘My thoughts are with the victim’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.’
Anyone with mobile or dash cam footage from the area at the time of the stabbing is asked to call police on 101.
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