Police have opened a murder investigation after a man in his 20s was stabbed to death outside a pub in a Surrey village.
Neighbours said the victim was attacked outside the Spring Tavern in Ewell, before collapsing outside The Wheatsheaf nearby.
Surrey Police said officers were called at around 3.30pm on Tuesday after receiving reports that a man had been found with serious injuries in a nearby alley.
Members of the public tried to save the man before ambulance crews arrived at the scene, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The culprit remains at large.
Paul Norman, 42, who lives next door to the pub, said the victim had staggered along Kingston Road towards The Wheatsheaf after he was attacked.
He said: “It’s a proper little community pub but they had nothing at all to do with it. It’s just unfortunate that it happened there.
“I’ve lived in Ewell all my life and I guess this sort of thing is happening everywhere now, but you don’t expect it right on your doorstep. It’s pretty shocking.”
The man was attacked outside the Spring Tavern but collapsed outside The Wheatsheaf nearby – UKNIP
The village was recently ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in the country, with house prices last year averaging more than £584,000.
A manager at the Spring Tavern declined to comment when approached.
The landlady of a separate pub, who wished to remain anonymous, said the village of Ewell was reeling. “People are extremely shocked,” she said.
“It’s sad and doesn’t happen around here. Everyone is being vigilant until we find out who did it.”
However, she said the area had seen an increase in crime in recent years.
“It’s worrying. People have moved to the area for a better life at this quaint little village but crime has come here,” she said.
She added: “Let’s hope it’s a one-off and not the gang stuff that’s going on in London. I don’t know where is safe anymore.”
Kingston Road and Chessington Road were closed in both directions while police investigated the man’s death
An investigation by Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team is under way.
Det Ch Insp Kimball Edey, a senior investigating officer, said:“First of all, my thoughts are with the loved ones of the young man who has lost his life.
“I know there has been concern and speculation in the local community about the events of yesterday afternoon, and I would like to thank residents for their patience and co-operation while we carry out our inquiries.
“Our officers are working tirelessly to establish the circumstances that led to this sad death, and you will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days as we seek to bring those responsible to justice.”
The force urged anyone with CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the time to come forward.
