Proximity of fatal knife attack leaves vibrant market street stunned

Market stall holders and shop assistants close to Fellmongers Yard – an alleyway in Croydon – have been been coming to terms with the shock of having a fatal knife attack on their doorstep.

Twenty-two year-old Rijkaard Salu Siafa, who lived locally, was stabbed to death at around 6pm on Friday – a time when many stallholders were still around packing up after the day’s business.

Margot Wallace, a shop assistant at Dabners Pet Shop in busy Surrey Street, which Fellmongers Yard runs off, was among those left with a mix of resignation and disbelief after yet another fatality involving knives and a young victim.

“The feeling is mainly one of shock really because it’s happened so close to us,” she told the South London Press.

“There has been a bit of trouble down that area before with young people and reports of knives and there seems to be a lot of dodgy dealings that go on, and not long ago a couple of youths were seen having a row opposite our shop and they appeared to have knives. But it’s a mainly residential area and you still hope it’s safe.

“Unfortunately, at the same time, it’s Croydon and you get used to hearing stories like this. It’s not even hidden anymore. These things are happening in broad daylight when there are lots of potential witnesses about.”

Ms Wallace added: “Our shop had just closed a bit earlier so we didn’t get caught up in it, but plenty of others were still around in Surrey Street. We hardly ever see police down here but there has been a presence since it happened with a police car still still parked down here today.”

Police arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the death of Rijkaard, but he has been bailed pending further enquiries until mid-June. The Met have asked for witnesses to help in what is now a murder investigation.

Superintendent Mitch Carr, who leads for community policing in Croydon, said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the family and friends of Rijkaard who has lost his life in tragic circumstances.

“The local teams in Croydon will be working to ensure a visible police presence across the Town Centre to offer reassurance to the community. Please do speak to officers about any concerns you may have.

“I would also like to pass on my thanks to the community for their assistance and cooperation to officers who responded to this extremely challenging incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD6022/12Apr. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Pictured top: Surrey Street market and Fellmongers Yard (Picture: Google Street View)