A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a flower seller was stabbed to death near his stand in north London, Scotland Yard said.

Tony Eastlake, 55, who worked at the Essex Road stall in Islington, London, for four decades, was stabbed nearby on Saturday afternoon.

Police officers and paramedics tried to help him but he died at the scene.

On Tuesday, police said that a 20-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of his murder.

It is believed that the suspect was known to the victim – but the murder investigation is still in its early stages.

Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall, leading the investigation, said: “Our dedicated team of officers have worked tirelessly since Saturday evening to identify the person suspected of the murder of Tony Eastlake.

“I hope this brings some reassurance to the community after what was an incredibly traumatic and unsettling incident that has cost the life of a well-loved and respected man.

“I can confirm that this attack is not believed to have occurred as a result of a robbery.”

On Monday evening, a vigil was held in memory of the beloved flower seller and attended by dozens of people who released blue balloons outside the stall where he worked since he was 14.

A chorus of “there’s only one Tony Eastlake” broke out, as friends, relatives and members of the community shared memories of him.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses and have urged members of the public who live in or may have been driving through the area to check CCTV and dashcam footage for information.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference CAD 5562/29May or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.