Lunch hour stabbing victim dies

Mr Hegarty was attacked while out on his lunch break

A man has died five days after being stabbed in the chest while out on his lunch break in east London.

Bernard Hegarty, 29, was the victim of an "horrendous unprovoked attack" while shopping for furniture for his new flat in Bethnal Green on Wednesday.

He died in hospital on Monday. Police are still searching for his killer, who also stole some money.

Victims of Crime Trust director Norman Brennan called for bigger fines for people who carry knives.

He said: "Knives take more lives in this country than guns, yet a sentence for possession of such weapons can be as low as a £50 fine and some still even receive police cautions.

"Knives are as serious as guns, therefore the penalty should be as serious as for those that carry guns."

A man with curly hair and distinctive shave marks down the sides was seen running along Mansford Street into Hackney Road after the attack on Mr Hegarty.

He is described as "dark skinned" with his hair held back, possibly with a hair band.

Mr Hegarty, from Tottenham, north London, worked for Stephen Davy Peter Smith Architects.

His bosses said they were "shocked and saddened" by the attack on a well-respected and liked member of staff.