A murder investigation has been launched after one man died and three others were injured at a stabbing in Croydon last night.
The fatal stabbing occurred in Gloucester Road in the early evening while children were still out trick-or-treating for Hallowe’en on Monday, October 31.
Police were called to the area, close to Broadmead Primary School, shortly after 8:10pm where three men in their 20s were suffering from stab injuries.
A 22-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, not far from Selhurst Park, and two other victims, aged 27 and 21, were rushed to a south London hospital with stab wounds that are not believed to be life threatening.
Following the incident, officers were informed that a fourth man – aged 22 – had attended a south London hospital with stab wounds and his injuries are also not thought to be life-threatening.
Chief Superintendent Andy Tarrant, responsible for policing in Croydon, said: “Whilst colleagues from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating last night’s fatal stabbing, my officers will be carrying out patrols across the borough to provide reassurance to the community.
“I would personally like to reassure people that attacks of this nature are rare and we are doing everything we can to catch those responsible.
“Across London, the Met is running its Autumn Nights campaign – coinciding with Halloween and Bonfire Night – to crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
“Officers from the Local Policing Teams are available to answer any questions you may have regarding matters of personal safety.”
A murder investigation has been started at Gloucester Road after this incident #Croydoncops https://t.co/aT2eXBuUty
— Croydon MPS (@MPSCroydon) October 31, 2016
“This appears to have been one of the most horrific examples yet of a growing problem with violent gang crime in Croydon. Like everyone else, my thoughts are with the family of those affected,” said Croydon North MP Steve Reed.
“While we come to terms with last night’s horrific events, the community needs reassurance that public authorities at every level are coming together to prevent another tragedy like this happening on our streets.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4054 or via 101.
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.
