Second man arrested after fatal stabbing of 27-year-old in Croydon

A teenager has been arrested following the fatal stabbing of a 27-year-old man in Thornton Heath last week.

The 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody, where he remains.

This follows the arrest of a 22-year-old man on suspicion of murder on Sunday. He has since been bailed as the investigation continues.

Both arrests were made in connection to the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto.

Mr Peixoto died after being attacked and stabbed by a group of men in Mayfield Crescent, Thornton Heath at around 10.30pm on December 19.

The Met has requested a second police warrant to extend the length of the arrested man’s custody. It expires tomorrow morning.

After the attack, the suspects drove off in the car Michael had been travelling in, a grey Vauxhall Grand X Elite – registration DL19LVS – which has yet to be recovered.

A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as a stab wound.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, leading the investigation, said: “While these arrests mark significant developments in this investigation there is still a great deal of work ongoing.

“I would like to thank those people who have come forward with information that assisted us in locating the car Michael had been travelling in when he was attacked.

“However, I reiterate my appeal for anyone who was in the area and saw the events unfold, and has yet to speak to police, to come forward. Your information could prove to be vital in identifying those responsible for this brutal murder.”

A spokesman for the Met said: “Anyone with information that could assist is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC ref CAD 7509/19 Dec. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Pictured top: Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto, 27, died after being stabbed by a group of men (Picture: The Met)