Police hunt for possible killer of Croydon man Reece Young, 23, stabbed at murder vigil in Alpha Road, Croydon after 9pm last night

A manhunt is under way after a possible killer, bleeding after a fatal knife fight, attacked a cop trying to arrest him – and fled the hospital where he was being treated for wounds sustained in the blood-soaked struggle.

A murder investigation has also been launched after a 23-year-old man was fatally stabbed during a fight in Alpha Road, Croydon last night – at a vigil for another murder victim killed in the same road less than a month ago.

Officers and paramedics found the 23-year-old victim, thought to be Reece Young, who had been stabbed at 9.10pm. But despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men had fled the scene in a vehicle before police arrived but later turned up at a South London hospital with stab wounds from the same fight.

Officers arrested both men at the hospital on suspicion of murder.

The first, aged 33, remains in hospital where he is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

After his arrest, the second man, believed to be in his 30s and still bleeding, assaulted police officers and NHS staff before forcing his way out of the hospital. Cops are now trying to track him down.

An investigation has been launched by homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Vandenbergh, who is leading the investigation, said: “We believe this incident [the knife fight] was witnessed by a number of people. They had gathered for a small vigil in remembrance of another recent fatal stabbing victim when an altercation began.

“Some of those people have already spoken to police, but I believe there are others who captured images and video of what happened. I need those people to contact us immediately. The information they have could prove vital in establishing the chain of events that has led to a young man losing his life.

“One arrest has been made and my team are working with colleagues across the Met to establish the whereabouts of the second man. We believe he suffered injuries that require urgent medical attention. He is urged to make contact with us immediately.”

The victim’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A crime scene remains in place and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

A vigil was staged for Tai Jordan O’Donnell, who was fatally knifed inside a house in Alpha Road, Croydon on March 3, after suffering a number of stab wounds to his thighs.

Any members of the public with video or images that could assist police can upload footage here.

Anybody with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 7449/30MAR.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.