A man was stabbed to death in Hendon, north London, on Thursday afternoon, just yards from a Jewish nursery.

Emergency services, as well as Shomrim volunteer security group and Hatzola medical service, were called to Parson Street at 4.45pm, following reports that a man had been injured during a suspected robbery. The man was pronounced dead at 5.30pm.

Although police have not yet formally identified the 38-year-old victim, a spokesperson confirmed he was not a member of the Jewish community.

According to a police statement, four people – two men aged 19 and 20 and two girls both aged 16 – were arrested in connection with the incident and remained in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bonner, who is leading the investigation into the stabbing, said: “This is a busy area for highway traffic and it was a bright, clear day.

“I’m certain people driving or walking through the area saw something leading up to and during the stabbing that could be of vital importance to investigators.

“I would urge those people to contact us so that we can piece together the events that lead up to this murder.”

Hendon-based Inspector Adrian Needley added: “We’ve notified the Community Security Trust that this incident was not connected to the Jewish community. But, obviously, it is still a crime-scene there, which might affect people who are going to synagogue this evening.”