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HeadlineOxford Circus attack victim died from stab wound to the heart, inquest finds

Short HeadlineOxford Circus attack victim died from stab wound

StandfirstStephen Dempsey, 60, from Belfast, was stabbed four times during the attack on July 1

A man who was attacked in Oxford Circus died from a stab wound to the heart, an inquest has heard. He was stabbed four times during the attack on 1 July, including once in the heart which proved fatal, coroner Fiona Wilcox has told a short hearing at Westminster Coroner’s Court.

Stephen Dempsey, from Belfast, was found hurt outside the Microsoft store in the shopping district just before 20:00 and later died in hospital. His body was identified using a bank card found on his person and confirmed using his passport.

“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,” says Beryl Dempsey, his mother.

On Tuesday, Tedi Fanta Hagos, 25, of Ravenhill, Swansea, appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon in connection to this incident. Judge Mark Lucraft QC set a plea hearing for 21 September and remanded the defendant in custody.

Police appeal for witnesses to come forward

Police are searching for two men who used a skateboard to restrain a suspect at Oxford Circus and have released a picture of the duo.

They have been praised for showing “great courage” and police say their actions “potentially prevented others from being attacked”.

“In addition to being immensely brave, we believe these two individuals may also be key witnesses,” says Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall.

He added that they led efforts to stop the suspect, but did not stay at the scene to speak to the police.