Stabbed to death bouncer Tudor Simionov had come to UK 'for better life'
The 33-year-old doorman had only recently moved to the UK from Romania and was planning to marry his partner and have children.
Wednesday 2 January 2019 18:55, UK
A bouncer who was stabbed to death as he tried to stop gatecrashers storm a private party had come to the UK "for a better life", his girlfriend said.
Tudor Simionov, 33, was working outside the event at a luxury property in London's Park Lane when he was attacked at around 5.30am on 1 January.
A 26-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt said the Romanian man - who had only recently moved to the UK - suffered a stab wound to his chest when a group of young men tried to gatecrash the party.
Mr Simionov's girlfriend, Madalina Anghel, told the Evening Standard the couple had planned to marry and wanted to have children together.
"Right now I can't think about him in the past. He was my future husband and we came to London from Romania for a better life," she said.
"I can't explain in words how much pain I am in. He was a really good man.
"We were happily and excitedly talking about having children together."
Two of Mr Simionov's colleagues, aged 29 and 37, and a 29-year-old woman were also stabbed but their injuries were not life-threatening.
The Metropolitan Police have urged witnesses to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge said: "The incident took place outside a venue that was hosting a private party. I would like to hear from anyone who was present at that event and witnessed this incident.
"A number of witnesses have already been spoken to, but it is clear many others who were present are yet to be traced, some of whom may have captured the attack on their mobile phones.
"This shocking incident happened just hours into a new year, the area was particularly busy with people out celebrating and making their way home from various parties and organised events. Please call the incident room with any information."
Mr Simionov was the second person to die in the capital in 2019, after mother-of-one Charlotte Huggins, 33, was stabbed in Camberwell, southeast London.
Anyone with information about the Park Lane killing can contact police on 020 8358 0300.