Stab death in London's West End

A man has been stabbed to death in London's Oxford Street during the evening rush hour.

The man, in his 20s, was attacked just before 1700 BST outside McDonald's on Oxford Street, near Oxford Circus.

Paramedics treated him at the scene before taking him to St Thomas' Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place later. The victim has not been formally identified, but it is understood police know his name.

A woman at the scene said: "I could see paramedics working on the young man on the ground.

"They did that for a couple of minutes, trying to get his heart to normal."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "At this stage we believe the victim was in McDonald's and then came outside where he was involved in an altercation. We then believe he was stabbed."

A spokeswoman for McDonald's said none of the restaurant staff were involved.

"But obviously all members of staff that were on duty at the time of the incident will speak to the police as part of the ongoing investigation," she said.

Police cordons are in place in Oxford Street between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road.

Transport for London said nine bus routes have been diverted following the incident.

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