Lunchtime stab victim named

The young architect fighting for his life after being stabbed by a mugger was named today.

Bernard Hegarty, from Tottenham, was knifed several times in the stomach while out on a lunch break.

The stabbing took place in Mansford Street, Bethnal Green, near the office of architects Davy Smith at about 2pm on Wednesday.

He was repeatedly knifed after refusing to hand over his wallet. His attacker is believed to have emptied out the money before calmly walking away. Witnesses said they had seen Mr Hegarty, 29, who graduated in Brighton in 1999, talking to his attacker minutes before.

Wahid Ferdons, 24, found the victim outside his flat.

He said: "His shirt was soaked in blood and he was bleeding very badly. It seemed the wound was just below the heart."

Police do not know how much money was taken but believe well-built Mr

111. Hegarty may have put up a struggle. His mobile phone and wallet were still on him as he lay in the street.

Detectives are now studying CCTV footage and investigating whether the attacker was injured after a trail of blood was found.

The attacker is described as dark-skinned, possibly Asian, with long, curly hair swept back. He also has distinctive shave marks above his temples.

Information should be given to Tower Hamlets Police on 020 7275 4546 or Crimestoppers, 0800 555