Friends have circulated a picture of Tony Eastlake online amid a flood of tributes

DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a man died in a stabbing in Essex Road yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.

Friends said flower seller Tony Eastlake had been trying to break up a mugging when he was knifed. He was pronounced dead at the scene just before 6pm.

Police said there had been no arrests so far and asked anybody who saw the incident to come forward.

A flood of tributes began to appear online shortly after Mr Eastlake’s death, with many in shock at the loss of a man whose flower stand had been such a long-running fixture near the station.

“Tony had a kind heart, served our community for a number of years and always put a smile on the faces of people across Islington,” said one. “He was not just a local businessman, but a friend to many.”

Another added: “He was a lovely guy. I’m feeling that there really should be a permanent tribute to Tony on “his” corner.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 5562/29May. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Send your tributes to Tony Eastlake to editorial@islingtontribune.co.uk and we can post them here