6:05pm Thursday 15th May 2008
By Caron Kemp
The victim of Monday's Oxford Street murder was on bail for the horrific rape of a teenage girl in Tottenham earlier this year.
Steven Bigby, 22, from Hackney, was one of ten people charged in January over the rape of the 16-year-old which allegedly included dousing acid over her body.
The schoolgirl suffered serious burns during the attack at an empty property in Anthill Road.
The group were due to appear at Wood Green Crown Court on July 17 to enter their pleas. Mr Bigby was also due in court next month charged with a separate incident of grevious bodily harm and violent disorder.
Mr Bigby was stabbed in the chest outside McDonald's in the busy London shopping street at 4.45pm on Monday.
Moments before, he had left the fast-food restaurant with a group of men and became involved in a dispute with another group of men.
During the argument, a drink was thrown from one group tot he other. The argument escalated and Mr Bigby was stabbed.
He was taken by ambulance to St Thomas' Hospital where he died.
A post mortem found the cause of death was a single stab wound to the heart.
A knife was found at the scene and officers are examining CCTV footage from the area.
On Tuesday evening two men were arrested in connection with the inquiry.
Anthony Costa, 18, from Walthamstow, east London, was charged with Mr Bigby's murder on Wednesday. He was due to appear at Waltham Forest Magistrates Court yesterday.
A 19-year-old man who was arrested and questioned by police has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Detectives leading the inquiry into Mr Bigby's death are anxious to speak to anyone who saw the stabbing, which happened in front of crowds of people.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Bob Mahoney said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the Oxford Street area at the time of the incident who either witnessed this violent attack or who saw people running from the area.
"In particular, I am appealing for anyone who was taking photographs that afternoon in Oxford Street, for any reason, to contact us. We would be very keen to see these photographs as they could hold key information."
Anyone with information about the attack should call the incident room on 020 8345 3775 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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