Flowers and candles left at ‘murder’ scene as residents left ‘scared’ following stabbing next to school
Residents have said they “don’t want to live in the area” after a man was stabbed to death yesterday afternoon.
Police said they were called to Thessaly Road, Nine Elms, yesterday at around 12.30pm where they found the victim, a 32 year old man, with a “number of knife wounds”.
Flowers and candles have been laid near the crime scene at the Patmore estate, with messages made out to someone called “Theo”.
One note reads: “Patmore legend, long live Theo, SW8, never forget.”
A woman who lives in the neighbourhood said: “People have been talking, everyone is worried, apparently there was another attack last night.”
A police officer at the scene confirmed that there was an “affray” in a building nearby but the incidents were “completely unrelated”.
A search dog is currently on the railway lines of Battersea station and the nearby Ascalon Street has been taped off as part of the crime scene.
A police officer at the scene said the top of Ascalon Street was a main point of interest but officers are investigating the whole area.
Another resident who has asked not to be named said: “It’s so close to the school.
“I’m about to send my children here. I can’t believe someone has been killed right here.”
London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance also attended the scene of the stabbing yesterday and despite the efforts of medics to save him, the injured man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at around 1.10pm.
The Met confirmed there have been no arrests so far. The force said the man’s next of kin have been notified and a post-mortem examination will be conducted in due course.
A murder investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command – he said: “At this early stage we are putting together a timeline of events that led to, and immediately followed this stabbing, and I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any part of this incident or has information concerning the identity of the person responsible.
“If you have information please do get in touch – even details that may seem irrelevant could be important to our investigation.”
Chief Superintendent Roger Arditti of the Met’s South West Command said: “I am saddened to see another life needlessly ended by knife crime on our streets and know that local people will share in that sentiment.
“In order to reassure the community, my officers will be more visible in the area over the coming days.
“If you have concerns or information that you would like to raise, please do speak with them when you see them on patrol or contact our colleagues on the homicide investigation team.
“A family has been devastated by this incident – my thoughts are with them at this sad time.”
A statement from the Met said: “There have been no arrests. Enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 3633/24AUG.
“To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.”
Pictured top: Flowers and tributes left to ‘Theo’ at the scene of killing in Thessaly Road, Nine Elms (Picture: Claudia Lee)