New Addington: Man in his 20s killed in double stabbing in Croydon after ‘knife fight’

Witnesses described how knife-wielding killers in balaclavas ambushed two men in Croydon, leaving one fatally wounded and the other injured.

The stabbing in North Walk followed a chase through the streets of New Addington. Police were called to the scene just after 6pm and found two men with stab wounds.

One of the men, a 20-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene and the other was taken to hospital. The condition of the second man, aged 19, is not considered life-threatening.

One witness said: “They were wearing balaclavas, chasing two boys, storming the street and the streets.

“It was a massive commotion. One of the injured boys was put into a car. There was blood everywhere.”

Police searched a house after the murder.

One witness said: “There were police everywhere, it looked like they were getting ready for war. They broke down a door, I think they were looking for the killers.”

Locals said the violence escalated after a fight the day before the murder.

One said: “There was a fist fight the day before, this time they’re back with knives.”

Officers were looking for CCTV footage from the area and making door-to-door enquiries.

Forensic teams also searched for clues.

A mother of three said: “We are all devastated, one of my children has seen boys in balaclavas, it’s no way to live.”

A crime scene remained at the scene Wednesday morning. The victim’s next of kin have been informed.

Detectives said a 20-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder as they appealed for footage of the stabbing in broad daylight.

Detective Inspector Jason Fitzpatrick said: “This fatal attack took place in broad daylight and I’m sure it would have been witnessed by a number of people.

“We are carrying out a number of inquiries including a review of local CCTV. I would ask anyone who has a video doorbell or was driving around the area with a dashcam to check out the footage.

“It is vital that we establish what happened last night and find those responsible.”

In the area, after the attack, additional patrols are employed.

Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said: “I know the residents of New Addington and Croydon as a whole will be deeply saddened and saddened to hear about tonight’s incident.

“My thoughts are with the families of the victims and all those affected. I would also like to thank the local emergency services who responded so quickly and professionally to this serious incident.”

Croydon Central MP Sarah Jones said she was “devastated” to learn a man had died and urged local residents who may have witnessed the fight to contact police.

Witnesses are asked to call 101, quoting CAD 6879/12Sep.