Empire Attack Victim Named As Casino Worker

The man stabbed at the Empire Casino in Leicester Square that was reported earlier this week (see report here) has been revealed as David Downes a casino dealer that was working at the casino during the attack.

Newspapers in the UK have revealed images of the victim in hospital however police have not named the victim but it is widely known that the victim is a casino dealer named as David Downes as several social media images and messages have been made by the victim.

It is understood the attack happened when Mr Downes was dealing on a roulette table and the attacker who police have named as Kien Nguyen, 34, from East London reached over with a knife and stabbed Mr Downes only millimetres from his heart.

Mr Downes has released images of himself on social media in hospital where he was on arrival said to be in a critical condition and fighting for his life.

The stabbing had left a “two-inch entry wound” that “penetrated approximately five inches”, also that his liver had been cut.

Questions will be asked how a customer managed to enter the venue carrying a knife.

The Metropolitan Police have said that the attacker is due to appear in court charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. Police also said that the knife used in the attack has also been recovered.