A murder suspect wanted in the fatal stabbing of a restaurant worker has been arrested after police caught him trying to dodge rail fare.

The suspect, 20, had been wanted in connection with the death of Ian Gualavisi, 23, on December 14 2021 in Elephant and Castle. Gualavsi was stabbed at the Rincon Costeno Restaurant in Hampton Street where he worked in the family business. 

The suspect, who was stopped by British Transport Police for alleged fare evasion at Edmonton Green station in north London, has been released on bail pending further investigation.

A Met police statement said: “On Friday, 10 June a 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder of Ian Gualavisi in Elephant and Castle. The man has been bailed pending further enquiries.

“He was originally detained by officers from British Transport Police.

“Six other people have been arrested as part of this investigation.”

Two men, both aged 24, arrested on 15 and 16 December 2021 on suspicion of murder, have been released under investigation.

“Four males, aged between 16 and 21, were arrested on 25 and 26 May 2022. They have been bailed to return pending further enquiries”, police said.

The murder was featured on BBC’s Crimewatch Live programme where Police described him as “a young man embarking on a new phase of his life”.  He died in front of his parents.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “BTP responded to a report of a fare evader at Edmonton Green railway station at 5.31pm on 10 June.

“Officers engaged with the 20-year-old man and identity checks revealed he was wanted by the Metropolitan Police Service in connection to a murder. He was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and conveyed to police custody.”