Teenager knifed to death in West Norwood at exact spot where stabbing happened two years ago

A teenager has been knifed to death in the same spot where another was stabbed two years ago.

Paramedics and police could not save the life of the 18-year-old found with stab wounds in Seeley Drive, West Norwood, on Wednesday night.

A murder investigation is already under way following the killing.

Police were called at 6.30pm to reports of the stabbing.

Yahia Barakat, of Dulwich Furnishings, said: “It was right outside my premises here.

“I went out and saw the six police cars and ambulance and hoped he would be alright. It is so tragic that he died.

“There needs to be more done in this area. Two years ago a kid got stabbed – we saw him with the blood running out.

“It happened in exactly the same place. When we came out to see what was happening this time that same kid was there, with his friends.

“Everyone around here is upset – what can you say?

“This area has been left to rot. Instead of putting money into making sure youths get jobs or learn something useful, all they do is hang around and deal drugs.

“It is shocking but it happens all the time. Gangs from another area come down and they are rivals. Not many open the shutters on their shops.”

 Fr Luke Marappillil, parish priest of the nearby St Margaret Clitherow Roman Catholic Church – less than 100 yards from the scene, said: “We are very sad for this poor boy and for his family.

“We will pray for him and for them and will do everything we can to help them at such a terrible time.

“It is a terrible thing to happen to any community. For someone to be killed on the streets so close to a church is very traumatic.”

The Kingswood Estate in West Dulwich was built in the 1950s and is home to 700 council tenants and private owners.

Police said work is under way to locate and inform next of kin.

A crime scene remains in place.

At this early stage, anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 6306/8July.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Pictured top: The scene of the stabbing