Motorbike gang stabbed man to demise in ‘focused execution’ in Surrey village as pub employees desperately tried to avoid wasting his life

A gang on motorbikes murdered a young man in a ‘targeted execution’ which led to scenes of a ‘bloodbath’ in a village, according to locals.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the murder of a man in his 20s who was stabbed to death outside a pub in Surrey.

Horrified neighbours said the victim was ‘ambushed’ outside the Spring Tavern pub in Ewell, before collapsing outside The Wheatsheaf, just a few hundred yards away.

Locals said ‘at least two men’ were responsible and arrived and fled the scene on bikes.

Surrey Police went to the scene at 3.30pm on Tuesday after receiving reports a man had been found with serious injuries in a nearby alley.

The victim made his way to The Wheatsheaf, where staff tried to perform CPR. But he died shortly later and a manhunt has been launched for those responsible.

One neighbour, who lives on a road which links the two pubs, said: ‘It’s a targeted attack. This was a targeted execution. We have been told at least two attackers stabbed him to death after arriving and leaving on motorbikes.

‘It’s horrific. This is a quaint and peaceful village. He made his way to The Wheatsheaf. He was so brave. 

Emergency services were called to The Wheatsheaf on Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey at around 3.30pm yesterday

The alleyway where the man was found in is next to The Wheatsheaf pub in Ewell (pictured above)

‘The staff there were amazing. The attack has nothing to do with either pub. The staff at The Wheatsheaf tried their very best. One lad gave CPR and they all tried to stop the blood which was pouring out everywhere, it was a bloodbath.

‘They tried to keep him alive but it was too late. We’re told there were two attackers and they were on bikes. They knew who they were after.’

Locals said it was ‘horrific’ that a quiet village had been the scene of the murder.

One woman in her 60s described how she had been near the crime scene and heard ‘shadows’ fleeing the area moments after the attack.

She said: ‘I saw these figures running off. Then moments later the whole area was blocked off. I’ve told the police.

‘The victim is not local, by all accounts. It makes you think if they came out of the area to carry this out.’

Patrick Ward, 56, said the area had been plagued recently with unknown men in balaclavas and motorbikes carrying out crime.

He said: ‘Something has gone seriously wrong in the last few weeks. I moved here thinking it was tranquil and peaceful middle England.

‘But now young people are being murdered on the streets. I heard it was men on motorbikes.’

An investigation, led by the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, has been launched.

Horrified neighbours said the victim was ‘ambushed’ outside the Spring Tavern pub in Ewell, before collapsing outside The Wheatsheaf, which is just a few hundred yards away

The victim made his way to The Wheatsheaf, where staff heroically tried to perform CPR

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Kimball Edey, said: ‘First of all, my thoughts are with the loved ones of the young man who has lost his life.

‘I know there has been concern and speculation in the local community about the events of yesterday afternoon, and I would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation while we carry out our enquiries.

‘Our officers are working tirelessly to establish the circumstances that led to this sad death, and you will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days as we seek to bring those responsible to justice.

‘We are continuing to appeal for anyone with information that might help our investigation to come forward. Were you in the area around Kingston Road between 3.20pm and 3.30pm yesterday afternoon? 

‘Do you have CCTV, dashcam, helmet cam, or mobile phone footage that may have captured all or part of this incident? Every piece of information, no matter how small, can be crucial.’