A man killed after a stabbing in Mortlake was believed to be a relative of Oscar-nominated actor Ralph Fiennes.

James Fiennes, 49, died on Wednesday morning after he was stabbed in The Tapestry pub in Mortlake on Tuesday evening, April 22.

Staff said there was blood at the scene and Mr Fiennes had wounds to his chest and back.

Mr Fiennes, from Sherborne in Dorset, is believed to be a first cousin of the author William Fiennes, and related to the Oscar-nominated star Ralph and his actor brother Joseph.

Adam Fiennes, James’s brother, said: “Whilst there are members of the family who are in the public eye, James wasn’t. His death has had a huge impact on us and we would ask that the media allow us to grieve in private.”

Lucia Fiorini, who has owned the family-run restaurant for 14 years, said she never expected the regular customer to die.

She said: “It is shocking, it is horrible, it is very sad.

“I was speechless when I found out and could not believe it.

“I would never have expected anything like that to happen.”

The tapas bar is expected to re-open for regular business on Sunday or Monday.

  • Nicholas Hunter, 36, of no fixed address, who was previously said to be from Rodenhurst Road, Clapham, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with murder.

He was also charged with threatening to kill another man, Thomas Olsen, on Tuesday night at the Tapestry in Lower Richmond Road.

He will next appear at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, April 28.