NI man Stephen Dempsey died after stabbing in busy London street

Mr Dempsey was attacked in Oxford Circus in London.

Courage: The two men who intervened after Mr Dempsey was stabbed

Mr Dempsey was attacked in Oxford Circus in London.

Courage: The two men who intervened after Mr Dempsey was stabbed

Mr Dempsey was attacked in Oxford Circus in London.

Lauren Harte Twitter Email

July 10 2021 02:32 AM

A Northern Ireland man who was attacked in London’s Oxford Circus earlier this month died from a stab wound to the heart, an inquest into his death has heard.

Stephen Dempsey (60), who was originally from Belfast, was stabbed four times during the attack on July 1, including once in the heart which proved fatal, coroner Fiona Wilcox told a short hearing at Westminster Coroner’s Court yesterday.

Mr Dempsey, who was single, was found hurt outside the Microsoft store in the busy central London shopping district just before 8pm and later died in hospital.

His body was identified using a bank card found on his person and confirmed using his passport, the inquest heard.

Mr Dempsey’s mother Beryl Dempsey previously said his death had left her “shocked” and “lost for words”.

Courage: The two men who intervened after Mr Dempsey was stabbed

She thanked two male skateboarders who stepped in after the attack for their “courage and bravery” and urged them to get in touch with police.

In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, Mrs Dempsey said: “I feel lost for words. I still feel so shocked and I keep expecting him to just walk back through the door.

“He looked after me and I depended on him for so much. I relied on him for everything and I miss him terribly.

“I would like the opportunity to personally thank the two men who intervened in an attempt to save my son’s life.

“Your actions were heroic and I am grateful for your courage and bravery. Now I beg you to come forward and help police with their inquiries.”

The Metropolitan Police are trying to trace the skateboarders as they did not stay at the scene to speak with officers and their details are not known.

Their role came to light after CCTV and other video footage of the incident and its aftermath was reviewed, according to a police spokesman.

Met Police have since released images of the two men who they are keen to speak to following their ‘heroic’ efforts.

On Tuesday, Tedi Fanta Hagos (25), of Ravenhill, Swansea, was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon. Judge Mark Lucraft QC set a plea hearing for September 21 and remanded the defendant in custody.

NI man Stephen Dempsey died after stabbing in busy London street

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