Shock and disbelief after quadruple killing in Bermondsey

Residents in Bermondsey have been left in a state of shock and disbelief after the horrific quadruple killing of a family – with all four dying from stab wounds.

What appeared to have been a normal Sunday night gathering became the scene of carnage, in which police helicopters, swarms of armed officers and ambulance crews descended on Delaford Road.

The alarm was raised at 1.40am on Monday after reports of a disturbance and screams.

Armed officers were soon in attendance, forcing entry to the home.

There, a man in his 20s, thought to be known to his victims, was arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of murder.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, all four people – three women and a man – were pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims have been named as Denton Burke, 58, and his partner Dolet Hill, 64, who lived together in Delaford Road, Dolet’s daughter Tanysha Ofori-Akuffo, 45, who lived in Kennington, and Tanysha’s daughter Samantha Drummonds, 27, who lived in Forest Hill.

The area was quickly sealed off and combed for evidence.

Metal fencing was erected around the property, with forensic tents and police tape keeping onlookers away.

Many neighbours spoke about their horror that what police described as: “a rare and terrible event” could have happened on their doorstep.

MP Harriet Harman was among those to visit the area to talk to police and some distressed residents, while Mayor Sadiq Khan also expressed his condolences.

Metropolitan Police Commander Colin Wingrove said: “In the early hours of Monday morning, following a call from neighbours, officers forced entry to the house.

“Inside the house, they made a dreadful discovery of four people who had been stabbed. All four were sadly announced dead at the scene.

“A man in his late 20s was arrested at the address on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody. At this stage, we are not looking for any other person. We believe all those involved may have been known to each other.

“I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of all those concerned. This is a deeply shocking incident and we will do everything we can to provide support for everyone affected at this difficult time.”

He added: “Such terrible events are rare, but I know that will not diminish the shock that will be felt across London and the wider country. I assure you, this investigation will leave no stone unturned in discovering the facts.”

Among those affected by the distressing news was Ms Hill’s niece Venecia Reid, who said: “She was very loving, very kind, very generous, she’d do anything for you.

“She worked very hard in this country to support her two girls and her two grandkids. I’m very, very heartbroken. I hope her soul rests in peace.”

Neighbour Anne Birkett, 60, whose back bedroom looks on to the property where they were found, said she was woken by police sirens and a circling helicopter.

She said the street was filled with flashing lights.

“It’s devastating. You hear all of this but you never assume it’s going to be right on your own doorstep,” she said. “What’s London coming to now? There’s a crime every day happening. It’s dreadful.”

Anyone who has information about this incident should contact police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC, quoting CAD 406/25APR. You can also ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Pictured top: Delaford Road (Picture: Google Street View)