Oxford Circus stabbing: Man charged with murder after ‘hero’ skateboarders tackle attacker

Police appeal for two men who intervened in fatal stabbing to come forward as witnesses

The Metropolitan Police were called to reports of a man stabbed outside the Microsoft store in Oxford Circus on Thursday (PA)

A man has appeared in court charged with murder after a 60-year-old was stabbed to death in central London earlier this week.

The Metropolitan Police said that Stephen Dempsey was attacked outside the Microsoft store in Oxford Circus on Thursday and later died in hospital.

Tedi Fanta Hagos, a 25-year-old man from Ravenhill, Swansea, appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday over the killing.

The man, who was dressed in a grey tracksuit, was assisted by an interpreter during the hearing before being remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

He has also been charged with possessing an offensive weapon.

On Saturday, police said they were appealing for two “heroic” skateboarders who intervened in the attack to come forward as detectives believe they could be “key witnesses” in the case.

One of the two men used his skateboard to subdue Hagos, allowing him to be restrained, according to the Met Police.

However, the pair did not stay at the scene to speak to officers and their details are not yet known.

“In addition to being immensely brave, we believe these two individuals may also be key witnesses,” Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall, who is leading the investigation, said.

“In stepping forward as they did to apprehend a violent individual, they showed great courage and potentially prevented others from being attacked.

“I want to be clear that while they used force to subdue the attacker, those actions were entirely reasonable and are not in question. They can be assured that we wish to speak to them solely as witnesses.”

The Met Police also said on Saturday that Mr Dempsey’s next of kin had been informed about the incident and were being supported by specially trained officers.

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

The force has asked anyone who can help with the investigation to call police on 101 quoting CAD 7129/01Jul, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.