Hero skaters used their boards to subdue suspected Oxford Circus knifeman after 60-year-old man was stabbed to death in 'random and unprovoked assault'
- The Met police have released an image of the two men, who had rushed to restrain the suspected knifeman before police arrived at the scene on Thursday
- One of the heroes used his skateboard to 'subdue' suspect Tedi Fanta Hagos, 25
- Detectives have described the two men as 'immensely brave' and said they want to speak to them 'solely as witnesses'
- Hagos is charged with murdering a man, 60, in 'random and unprovoked assault'
Police have launched a bid to find two heroes who used a skateboard to 'subdue' a suspected knifeman who had fatally stabbed a man in Oxford Circus.
The Metropolitan police released an image of the two men, who had rushed to restrain the alleged attacker before police arrived at the scene on Thursday, and described them as 'immensely brave'.
One of the heroes had used his skateboard to 'subdue' suspect Tedi Fanta Hagos, 25, who appeared before Westminster Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with the murder of the 60-year old as well as the possession of a knife.
The victim stabbed outside the Microsoft store and who later died in hospital was named in court as Stephen Dempsey.
The 60-year-old was the target of a 'random and unprovoked assault' that only ended when his attacker was detained by members of the public.
Hagos was taken to a South London hospital for treatment for a head injury, but police said he 'did not sustain any lasting injuries'.
Launching their search to find the two heroes, the Met said in a statement that the two men had 'led the intervention to apprehend Hagos following the attack' at 8pm on Thursday, but did not stay at the scene to speak with police.
The Metropolitan police released an image of the two men, who had rushed to restrain the alleged attacker before police arrived at the scene on Thursday, and described them as 'immensely brave'
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Detectives only discovered the 'key role' they played after reviewing CCTV and other video footage of the incident and its aftermath.
Police have launched an appeal to find the two men, who they have described as showing 'great courage' in stepping forward to apprehend the attacker.
Investigators have said the men would be spoken to 'solely as witnesses'.
Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall, who is leading the investigation, said: 'In addition to being immensely brave, we believe these two individuals may also be key witnesses.
'In stepping forward as they did, they showed great courage...
'I want to be clear that while they used force to subdue the alleged attacker, those actions were entirely reasonable and are not in question. They can be assured that we wish to speak to them solely as witnesses.'
The pair are urged to call the incident room on 0208 785 8099.
Hagos, of Ravenhill, appeared in court on Saturday accused of murder and with possessing an offensive weapon.
Mr Fanta, dressed in a grey tracksuit, was assisted by an interpreter during the hearing.
He was remanded in custody and is set to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.
On Thursday, Central London was plunged into chaos when shortly after 8pm the 60-year-old man was stabbed in the busy location.
An eyewitness has described the moment one of the 'heroes' jumped on the alleged attacker and detained him until the police arrived.
Police have launched a bid to find two heroes who used a skateboard to 'subdue' a man who is suspected of fatally stabbing a man in Oxford Circus. Pictured: Police at the scene of the incident
The eyewitness, who gave his name on Twitter as James Sexton, described in detail the horrifying incident and the bravery of those who ran to his aid.
He said: 'Just witnessed a horrific stabbing of a man at Oxford Circus. Broad daylight, no apparent rhyme or reason.
'Kudos to the guy in the basketball jersey who jumped on the [man] and to the others that held him down until the police got there.
'Absolute f***ing heroes.'
Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall, from the Specialist Crime Command, said at the time: 'This is being treated as a random and unprovoked assault and we are not actively looking for anybody else in connection with the incident. I would like to reassure the public that this is not believed to be linked to terrorism.
'It is clear that this area of Oxford Circus was very busy at the time of the attack. Members of the public intervened to detain the suspect and I hope to trace and speak to them, to secure their accounts and offer support.
'In particular, I would like to trace two young males with skateboards who led this intervention.
'I am appealing to any person who witnessed the assault, or who has mobile phone footage, to contact us. I am also appealing to the owners of any passing cars with dashcams to check whether they have recorded the incident.'
