Murder probe after stabbing at tower block 'plagued by intruders' for years - residents' worst fears are realised

A MURDER probe is underway after a man was stabbed to death in a block of flats that has been plagued by intruders according to residents.

The 40-year-old victim was stabbed at flat in Tollgate House, Tollgate Gardens, Kilburn, north west London.

Police were called at 9:42pms on Friday, 19 December to reports of a stabbing in the property.

It was just seven minutes after they were called to an unconnected gun murder in Brent.

Officers attended the Kilburn address alongside the London Ambulance Service, who treated a 40-year-old man at the scene for stab wounds. He was taken to hospital, where he sadly died.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby, from Specialist Crime South, who is leading the investigation said: “My thoughts are with the victim’s family at this unimaginably difficult time. Our investigation is continuing at pace as we work to establish the full circumstances around this incident.

“Were you in the area or on Tollgate Gardens on Friday, 19 December? Do you have any mobile phone or dash cam footage of individuals in the area around the time of the incident?

"If so, please come forward and speak to police. I would also like to thank members of the local community for their patience while our enquires are ongoing, a number of cordons remain in place.”

Officers urge anyone with information to call 101 quoting CAD 8182/19DEC25. If you wish to remain anonymous, please speak with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

At the early stage of the investigation, no arrests have been made.

“If so, please come forward and speak to police. I would also like to thank members of the local community for their patience while our enquiries are ongoing, a number of cordons remain in place.”

The flats have reportedly been plagued by vandals, drug users and homeless people, according to an anonymous feed on X which highlights the problems.

The @TOLLGATEkilburn account posted on X after news of the murder broke: "Violence and tragedy in Tollgate House. Residents' long held fears came true last night. Inevitable consequences of illegal occupation left unchallenged."

The account has been posting about damage to the building by non-residents for years since a supposed "refurbishment" by Westminster City Council which the account has branded a "failure".

On December 13 the account posted: "Odds lift in Tollgate House constantly being broken by non-residents."

A day earlier the account posted: "For approx two years Tollgate House has suffered illegal occupation of one, and now recently two, units. Residents are terrified and its costing a fortune in security and continuous repairs of the destruction they cause. Sort this ASAP @CityWestminster, @w9maidavale and @wcchousing."

According to its posts over the past few years there has been a repeated cycle of gangs breaking locks, poor security and intruders entering the building, causing damage including to lifts.

At the same time, the council has consistently failed to address these issues, according to the account.

The council has been contacted for comment.