A man has been charged with firearms offences by detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of a security guard at a New Year’s Eve party in London’s West End.
Imran Mostafa Kamel was remanded in custody, charged with two offences in relation to possession of a firearm after being arrested during a probe into the death of 33-year-old Tudo Simionov during an incident in Park Lane.
The action taken against the 26-year-old, of Ealing, west London, is not directly related to the murder Mr Simionov, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
Charges related to a separate incident, which took place at the same address where the bouncer was stabbed during the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Scotland Yard said no firearms had been discharged at the scene at any point during the evening.
Mr Simionov had been working outside the event at Fountain House in an upmarket area of the capital when he was knifed as he tried to prevent gatecrashers entering the premises.
The doorman had only recently moved to the UK from Romania and had been living in Ilford, east London.
Mr Simionov’s girlfriend, Madalina Anghel, paid tribute to him on Thursday, describing him as “the one who was going to be my husband”.
“It’s hard for me to find the right words in these moments,” she wrote on Facebook. “The news of his unexpected death has pained us all.”
Three other people, two bouncers aged 29 and 37 and a 29-year-old woman, were also hurt in the attack, although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Speaking on Wednesday, DCI Andy Partridge of the Met Police said: “This shocking attack has left one man dead and three others with significant injuries.
“The fact this takes place during the New Year celebrations has rightly captured a lot of attention.
“Whilst my team have already spoken to a number of witnesses, others are yet to be traced. It is understandable that some people may have left the scene immediately after having witnessed the attack, possibly not knowing how serious it was at the time.
“But now, knowing this has resulted in murder of Mr Simionov and the serious injuries inflicted upon the three other victims, they should come forward and assist the investigation.”
Kamel, of The Grove, Ealing, who appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, was remanded in custody to appear in court on Thursday 31 January, the Metropolitan Police said.
Additional reporting by PA
