Police have named and pictured a man who was fatally stabbed in Elephant and Castle on Tuesday - as the appeal for information about the attack continues.

While formal identification is yet to take place, officers believe the victim was Ian Gualavisi.

Gualavisi was a restaurant manager who had lived in London since birth.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

A post-mortem examination will take place on Thursday, December 16.

Police were called at 7.45pm on Tuesday, December 14 to the stabbing at a restaurant in Maldonado Walk, off Hampton Street.

Police, ambulance crews and London's Air Ambulance attended.

A 23-year-old man was found with a stab injury to his back.

Despite emergency services' efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers from the Met's Specialist Crime Command have begun a murder investigation and are appealing for anyone with information about the attack to come forward, quoting reference 6908/14DEC.

There have been no arrests.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood said: "A dedicated team of officers is working round the clock to trace those responsible for taking Ian's life and my thoughts are with his family as they come to terms with their tragic loss.

"While we remain in the early stages of the investigation, we believe Ian was attacked by two men who left the scene on a moped towards Elephant and Castle Railway Station.

"We are in the process of collecting CCTV from the area and speaking to people who were nearby at the time of the attack. I would urge anyone who hasn't spoken to us yet to contact police as soon as possible."

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Detectives have named a man who was fatally stabbed in Elephant and Castle as they continue to appeal for information about his death.

"Police were called at 19:46hrs on Tuesday, 14 December to reports of a stabbing at a restaurant in Maldonado Walk, off Hampton Street.

"Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance medics.

"A 23-year-old man was found with a stab injury to his back.

"Despite the best efforts of the emergency services he was pronounced dead at the scene.

"While formal identification is yet to take place, officers believe the victim was Ian Gualavisi, a restaurant manager who had lived in London since birth.

"His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

"A post-mortem examination will take place on Thursday, 16 December.

"Officers from the Met's Specialist Crime Command have begun a murder investigation and are appealing for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information about what took place, should call 101 giving the reference 6908/14DEC. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

"There have been no arrests and enquiries continue."

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