Third teenager charged with Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke killings

A third teenager has been charged with the killings of both 16-year-olds Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke.

Hussain Bah, 18, of South-east London, was arrested on Friday and appeared in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Saturday charged with the murders of both teenagers  – the Met would not confirm where he lives.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

Two other teenage boys have been charged with the murders, a 15 and 16-year-old.

They appeared at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on Friday. They were remanded into youth custody to appear at the Old Bailey tomorrow.

An investigation was launched after police were called at around 5.10pm on November 26 to reports of two people stabbed at two separate locations – Sewell Road, Abbey Wood and Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead.

Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.

At the Sewell Road location they found 16-year-old Charlie Bartolo, with stab wounds.

Kearne Solanke, also 16, was discovered in Titmuss Avenue. He had also suffered stab wounds. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, both boys sadly died.

Another 16-year-old boy who was arrested on November 27 – also on suspicion of both murders – has now been released on bail pending further enquiries and is due back to a South London police station in February 2023.

Anyone with information that could assist can share it directly with the investigation team on this dedicated webpage.

Alternatively call 101 quoting reference 4943/26NOV. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Pictured top: Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke (Picture: The Met)