Knightsbridge stabbing: Devastated mum pays tribute to man killed 'fighting off watch thief'

A devastated mum has paid tribute to her son who was stabbed to death outside a London casino as a thief allegedly tried to steal his watch.

Blue Stevens, 24, died at the scene outside the Park Tower Hotel and Casino in Knightsbridge shortly after 9.30pm yesterday evening. Police have since launched a murder inquiry.

Now his mum Charlie Sheridan has shared a heartbreaking tribute - saying she "can't stop crying" and "can't breathe" after the tragedy.

She 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." She captioned the post: "Please. I want him back."

READ MORE: Knightsbridge stabbing: Dad, 24, pictured after 'trying to fight off watch thief' outside 5-star hotel

Charlie told The Sun: "He lit up my heart every time I laid eyes on him. My only son. I lived for him." She added: "I can't stop crying. I can't breathe."

Mr Stevens was given first aid, but despite the best efforts of emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance, he died at the scene.

One witness said he was working at a nearby luxury hotel close to the murder scene when the incident took place. He told the Mail: "My secretary told me a masked man tried to rob his watch. It was a couple.

"But the guy pulled out his hand and he took out his knife and stabbed him. The couple were walking along the pavement and he tried to fight back but the guy took the knife and stabbed him in the chest. The police chased the guy but I don't think they caught him.

"I saw a little bit of the CCTV. I saw the man lying out on the pavement, a woman was supporting him and crying. There was a lot of blood. He was wearing a white or cream coloured t-shirt. He was unconscious."

Some witnesses said Blue's partner, who was believed to be with him at the time of the tragedy, returned to the scene today to leave a touching tribute. She wrote in a card among 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."

No arrests have been made at this time, with the Metropolitan Police saying a crime scene "will be in place for some time while officers investigate." Superintendent Owen Renowden, who leads policing in Kensington and Chelsea, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones following the shocking events that took place last night. Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, supported by local officers, are working at pace to establish the circumstances of what happened.

“We are aware of reports that this incident was a robbery. Although this is an active line of enquiry, we are keeping an open mind about all possible motives and the exact circumstances are still to be determined. We understand the impact this incident will have on the local community and you will see extra officers in the area to help answer any questions or concerns."