A murder investigation has been launched after a 48-year-old man with a fatal stab wound was found on a 189 bus in Marylebone.

Police were called by London Ambulance Service last night at around midnight to the bus in Gloucester Place near the junction with Dorset Square.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Met spokesman said officers believe they know the identity of the deceased, but await formal identification and confirmation that next of kin have been informed.

A murder investigation is being led by Det Chf Insp Noel McHugh of the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

Det chf insp McHugh said it is believed that the victim boarded the bus at Brent Cross bus station at 11:15pm yesterday evening.

He said: “I want to hear from anyone who was at Brent Cross bus station or who travelled on the 189 bus from Brent Cross towards the Marylebone area at around that time.

“It is crucial that we speak with any potential witnesses. Even if you do not believe you saw anything significant, if you were at the bus station at around 11pm or on the bus then please call the incident room.”

There has been no arrest at this early stage and enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.

Witnesses or anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call the incident room on 020 8785 8099.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the https://crimestoppers-uk.org website.