Two young men died and another is fighting for life after a weekend of stabbing violence in London.
In Croydon, a stabbing spree began around 1:15am on Sunday at Hesterman Way near the IKEA. Three men were found with stab injuries. A 22-year-old man was pronounced dead at hospital, and two 21-year-old men were taken to hospital with one believed to have life-threatening injuries. Both 21-year-olds were later arrested on suspicion of affray. While the severely injured man remains in hospital, the other 21-year-old has been taken into police custody. Two women aged 25 and a 28-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday afternoon and remain in custody. A crime scene remains in place as detectives continue their work.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila offered condolences to the victim’s family, saying officers are working swiftly to understand what happened and to identify those responsible. He urged anyone with information to contact police, or Crimestoppers anonymously if preferred.
Separately, a murder investigation is underway after a 19-year-old man was stabbed to death in Rye Lane, near the junction with Heaton Road in Peckham Rye, shortly after 7pm on Saturday. Paramedics treated him at the scene before he died in hospital. His family are being supported by officers, and no arrests have been reported at this stage. A post-mortem will be scheduled in due course.
Superintendent Gabriel Cameron stressed that no one should lose their life to knife crime and that the community will see an increased police presence. He urged local residents to share concerns with officers and for anyone who was near Rye Lane between 6:30pm and 7:30pm on Saturday to come forward. People can contact the Met at 101, quoting 6065/14Feb, or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
