Police launch appeal after Notting Hill stabbing in front of stunned diners

The Metropolitan Police has launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward after a man was stabbed in front of shocked onlookers in trendy Notting Hill last night during a Bank Holiday crimewave.

A man in his 20s was taken to hospital after witnesses describe three men chasing him before stabbing him on Portobello Road after 8:30pm last night.

Police were called by paramedics after the shocking scene with diners in the West London neighbourhood witnessing the stabbing 'metres away' from restaurant tables.

One witness told GB News that the victim staggered away from the assailants before collapsing in the road as couples and families enjoyed dinner in the upmarket neighbourhood.

In a statement, the Met said that no arrests had been made and that enquires were ongoing.

The force said its officers arrived within five minutes of being called to the incident.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting CAD 7352/25May.

A witness described the assailants as three black men, but the Met declined to provide any information about the suspects amid the investigation.

The area was taped off by officers as local diners were made to finish their meals inside nearby restaurants as they watched police clear the area.

The stabbing in West London took place just an hour after a teenage boy was knifed to death at a house party in Hackney.

A 15-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the East London block party after the Met said it responded to disorder and 'individuals in possession of machetes' in the area.

The force is also investigation a possible shooting connected to the same incident after footage emerged online of a young man brandishing what appeared to be a firearm.

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Officers are still conducting urgent enquiries today and the force is working to formally identify the victim and inform his next of kin.

Bank Holiday violence extended to North London, where Parliament Hill lido has been closed until Wednesday after reports of a fight at the popular swimming destination.

The City of London Corporation said it condemned the "unacceptable behaviour" at the lido amid reports that a person had been attacked with a vodka bottle and that knives had been found on some individuals.

Police outside the capital also responded to knife crime incidents as young people rushed to seaside towns to make the most of the hot weather.

Sussex Police have issued an appeal for witnesses after a teenage from Surrey was stabbed outside Shelter Hall in Brighton.

Footage on social media appearing to depict the incident showed fighting in the area after 9pm last night.

The Surrey boy was treated in hospital for 'superficial' injuries.

Detective Inspector Jen Pietersen, of Brighton CID, said: "We know the beach was extremely crowded at the time of this incident and we're urging anyone who can assist in our investigation to please come forward."