Police are tonight dealing with a number of incidents of serious violence, including a fatal stabbing, in south London.
Police were called at 18:56hrs to Chapman Road, Croydon, to reports of a stabbing. Police found a male victim, whose condition was assessed as not life-threatening in hospital.
Police were called at 19:15hrs after four males, all aged in their 20s, presented to a south London hospital suffering from stab and slash injuries.
One of those males is at this time believed to be in a life-threatening condition.
Police were called at 20:51hrs to a south London hospital, after two males presented with stab injuries. The condition of one of the males at this time is being treated as life-threatening.
Police were called at 21:12hrs to Dingwall Road, Croydon, to reports of a stabbing. A male has been arrested on suspicion of GBH. The victim too has been arrested; at this stage it is not thought that the victim’s condition is life-threatening.
Police were called at 20:08hrs to Wisbeach Road, Croydon, to reports of two males with stab injuries. One male was taken to hospital prior to police arrival; condition not life-threatening.
Another male was found at the scene. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Next of kin are aware.
Police will be investigating the circumstances surrounding all of these incidents.
At this stage there is no known information to suggest they all linked.
Detective Superintendent Nicky Arrowsmith said: “Sadly, tonight we have seen a number of needless and completely abhorrent violent altercations, including one that has tragically resulted in a loss of life.
“Officers will be on patrol throughout the night across the South Area Command Unit, with additional resources from the Violent Crime Taskforce and Territorial Support Group deployed to deter and prevent any further violence.
“A Section 60 Order granting police additional stop and search powers is in place across Croydon, until 08:00hrs on Saturday, 6 February.
“I urge anyone who has information that could help police to assist us as we work to investigate these incidents to speak to us as soon as you can.
““Tackling violent crime in London remains the top priority for everyone in the Metropolitan Police Service. We have dedicated resources working to prevent, deter and tackle violence in all its forms, day and night and are utilising all available tactics and powers.
“Our officers continue to work around the clock to identify and pursue offenders, bring perpetrators to justice, support victims, take weapons off the street, engage and reassure the public, and keep our communities safe in London.
“But we are not complacent and cannot do this alone. We work closely with our communities as they are key to understanding and knowing what is occurring locally. We need to hear from anyone who has information about crime, those who carry a weapon, or those who exploit others for gain or revenge, while putting young people’s lives at risk- we need this information to help keep London safe.”
