‘So many killings’: Communities call for authorities to step in after hour of violence sees two killed and four hospitalised

Two men were killed and four others were seriously injured in less than an hour on Sunday, after two separate incidents of horrific violence hit South London.

The two attacks have left families mourning the loss of a 77-year-old man and a 30-year-old father-to-be.

Members of the two communities say they are in fear at the spiralling crime rates and have called for more support from the authorities. 

At around 10.40am on Sunday, 77-year-old Hilkiah McLeggan, from Southwark, was stabbed to death in Walworth’s East Street Market.

Cops were called to reports of several people being seriously injured. At the scene two other men were found suffering from serious stab injuries. They were taken to hospital, where they remain. One of them is in a critical condition.

The attack comes six months after the East Street Community CIC and Traders Association submitted a security proposal to Southwark council, which they say went unanswered.

One trader, who has worked at the market for 10 years, said: “Everyone was shouting ‘there’s a man with a knife,’ and panic set in.

“Women, children and elderly people were hysterically screaming, shouting and running in different directions.”

Felix Badu, 62, has been a shop owner in East Street since 1994 and is the co-chairman of the Southwark Association of Street Traders and Shop Owners (SASTSO), which was formed last year.

He said: “Female traders have not reopened their stalls because they are too scared.”

Mr Badu said the market was not prepared for such an attack, and the incident highlighted the need for an emergency protocol to be put in place.

The East Street Community (ESC) is now implementing its own safety measures, including first aid training for traders, procurement of stab and bleed kits and the development of emergency protocols.

Mr Badu said: “We want to come together to make sure this never happens again.

“But it is up to all stakeholders to ensure security and safety of shop owners, traders and customers is paramount. We should all be on board.”

Musse Ali, 66, of no fixed address, has been charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

He appeared at Croydon Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where he was remanded in custody. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on December 10, where he will enter a plea.

Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, lead for policing in Southwark, said: “I would like to thank brave members of the public who assisted police at the scene.”

The incident is not being treated as terrorism and no one else is being sought by police.

Less than an hour earlier, in a reportedly unconnected incident, cops were called to reports of a shooting in Wells Park Road, Sydenham, at around 10.10am.

Officers found Curtis Green, 30, suffering from gunshot injuries. He died at the scene.

In a statement, Mr Green’s family said: “Curtis was happy, excited and beautiful.

“He was also a father-to-be, with a child due in five months.”

As Mr Green’s family mourn his loss, the community has been left frustrated by what a number of residents describe to be a “regular occurrence” in the area.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I have lived here for more than 15 years and sadly this is nothing new. 

“We have a serious problem with drugs and gangs in this area. My wife is terrified to go to the shops in case she gets caught up in an incident.

“There have been so many killings around here. I hope the government and police will do something to tackle knife and gun crime. It is getting out of hand.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said they felt let down by police who “could be doing more” to curb violence in the neighborhood.

He said: “You see lots of police after someone has been shot or stabbed but then they leave and expect everyone to carry on as normal.”

The young man stood beside an arrangement of flowers attached to a lamppost which he said had been left from a previous murder.

No arrests have been made at this stage as police continue to appeal for witnesses.

Officers believe Mr Green attended a party in Hensford Gardens before he was shot. 

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, said: “If you were at the party, if you saw what happened or if you have any information about the incident, then please do not hesitate to contact us.”

A woman was also found with gunshot wounds to her legs. She was taken to hospital. Her condition is not life-threatening.

A third person admitted themselves into hospital with what are believed to be gunshot injuries. The man’s injuries are not life-threatening.

Any witnesses or anyone with footage or information is asked to call police on 101 or message via X @MetCC with reference number 2527/10Nov. To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Councillor Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods, said: “We’re grateful for the resilience of business owners who have returned to business as usual.

“We are dedicated to supporting traders throughout this challenging time and beyond. We’re addressing improvements to enhance security, and progress is already underway. We’re increasing community warden patrols and we are exploring broader policing measures in the long term.

“We know last weekend’s tragic events have shaken the community, but we want to reassure everyone that East Street Market remains a safe space. This isolated incident should not overshadow the vibrant community market that it is.”

Pictured top: Curtis Green who was fatally shot in Sydenham on Sunday morning (Picture: The Met)