Teens Arrested In Oxford Street Murder Probe

Police have arrested two teenagers in connection with a fatal stabbing outside a London fast food restaurant.

Steven Bigby, 22, was knifed in the chest after leaving McDonald's restaurant on Oxford Street with friends on Monday during rush hour.

Emergency services treated Mr Bigby at the scene but he was pronounced dead at St Thomas' Hospital.

Two men aged 18 and 19 have been arrested and are being questioned at an east London police station.

It is reported that four men, who were black and aged between 20 and 30 fled the scene after the attack.

A post mortem revealed that Mr Bigby died from a single stab wound to the chest.

Police say that the an argument broke out between two groups of men on Oxford street and a "spontaneous" row erupted resulting in the fatal stabbing.

A blood stained four-inch knife found close to the scene is being tested and detectives are scrutinising CCTV footage.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Bob Mahoney leading the investigation has appealed for tourists who may have taken holiday snaps of the area to hand them in as they may hold "key information".

Mr Mahoney said that there was nothing to suggest that this was "a gang-related crime or linked to any other incidents".

Over the weekend, two teenagers aged 15 and 16 were also stabbed in Holloway. Both victims remain in hospital where their conditions are described as stable. No arrests have been made and police are continuing their investigations.

London's Deputy Mayor for young people, Ray Lewis, has described the problem of crime in the capital as "a rising onslaught".

(DS)