Police probing a 'brutal attack' after a man in his 40s died on a west London high street have released an initial suspect without charge.

Emergency services responded to a 999 call said they found a man, believed in his mid-40s, with 'stab or slash' wounds nearby.

He was pronounced dead at the scene 30 minutes later despite efforts by ambulance crew.

Police arrested a man who was 'seen running from the scene' believed to be in possession of a machete knife on suspicion of murder.

The man was taken to a nearby north London police station for questioning, but was released without charge.

It has become apparent since that the man was not in possession of a knife, as suggested by witnesses at the scene.

Police cordoned off the scene at the corner of Northolt and Wargrave Road.

Forensic teams were seen collecting evidence outside a cash and carry shop on Northolt Road. It is not known where the stabbing occurred but the much of the road remains a crime scene

A man, believed to be in his mid-40s has died after being 'hacked to death' on a northwest London street this afternoon

Officers look at the rear of the cash and carry and a Ladbrokes where it is believed the stabbing may have taken place

Air ambulance services also attended the scene but were not needed.

A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed news of the incident and said that Major Crime Command has been informed.

Harrow residents had been on high alert since the death of a local shopkeeper during a bungled robbery.

Pinner newsagent Ravi Katharkamar was stabbed in the chest on March 24 while opening his shop, and died 45 minutes later.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident has taken place and said that Major Crime Command has been informed

Police maintain a perimeter around the scene following the incident on the busy Harrow high street

London ambulance services were first on the scene. An air ambulance was also called but the victim sadly died before it arrived

The London Ambulance Service said: 'We were called at 3.14pm today to reports of an incident on Northolt Road, South Harrow.

'We sent an ambulance crew, two single responders in cars and an incident response officer to the scene. We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance.

'Sadly, despite the efforts of medics, a person died at the scene.'

Local MP Gareth Thomas said: 'I am very concerned to hear reports of a recent fatal attack in South Harrow in my constituency.

'I am in contact with the Met Police and Harrow Council to understand who is responsible and why. My thoughts are with the victim and their family.'

One man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and is in police custody for questioning

Councillor for Roxeth Peymana Assad said: 'I’m aware of incident that has taken place on Northolt Road, South Harrow highstreet.

'Hope the community can be reassured,we are talking to all,on steps ahead for the safety of our residents.'

Community leaders share their sympathies with the victim's family and ask for police to find the person responsible

Calvin Bungisa, 22, was knifed to death on Monday at 8.30pm by a gang of masked thugs in Kentish Town.

Witnesses said the victim’s mother came 'screaming' from her home nearby after the attack and friends gathered at the scene to light candles and pay tribute.

On Friday, father-of-three Gavin Garraway, 40, was ambushed while driving near Clapham Common station.

Pictured: Bungisa, who was stabbed to death in Kentish Town on Monday (left); and Gavin Garraway, who died in Clapham on Friday

Witnesses claim his attackers smashed his window using a pair of crutches before launching the vicious attack through the gap.

They were also caught on CCTV running off and laughing as they fled the scene, with horrified shoppers going to the victim’s aid.

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at the North-West Command Unit via 101 quoting reference 4680/3Apr.