LONDON KNIFE CRISIS: Boy,15, is latest murder victim after teens fight with blades outside shop

DETECTIVES from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are appealing for witnesses following a fatal stabbing in Wandsworth, south-west London.

Officers on patrol came across a number of males fighting outside a Sainsbury's supermarket on Garratt Lane at around 5.58pm yesterday, October 29.

A Met Police spokesman said: "Three males were found near the Garratt Lane Burial Ground suffering from knife injuries.

"London Ambulance Service also attended the scene.

One victim 1, aged 15, was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Although formal identification awaits, officers are confident they know his identity. His next of kin have been informed.

"A post-mortem examination will be held in due course."

The other two victims, also 15, sustained injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Two males have been arrested.

A 19-year-old man [A] was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm [GBH]. He had suffered a head injury that did not require hospital treatment.

A 17-year-old male [B] was arrested on suspicion of affray.

Both are in police custody.

Road closures and an extensive crime scene are in place.

Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command (Homicide) said: 

"My deepest condolences are with the family of this young man. I want to reassure them that my team and I are working to give them the answers they deserve.

“While our investigation is still in its early days, it would appear that an altercation occurred between two groups of males in the Garrett Lane area, outside Sainsbury’s. It was during this altercation that the victim was stabbed and sadly, later died.

“This was a busy area, very near to the shopping centre within Wandsworth. There will be people who saw or heard something suspicious that could help us to piece together the final moments for the victim and possibly identify who was responsible. It is these people we urgently need to speak to. I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to call the incident room and share that information with police. All calls will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality."

Detective Superintendent Owain Richards said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the family of this young boy who lost his life. This is understandably a shocking incident that will have deep impact on the wider community. I know that the detectives on this case will be working tirelessly to understand what led up to this tragic incident and ultimately to bring the person or people responsible to justice.

“Tackling violence remains the top priority for the Met and I would encourage any members of the community who have any information to get in touch with us or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”

Anyone who has information, video or images that could assist police are asked to call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 5042/29 Oct.

We know that calling to give information on knife crime is difficult, but your call could help save lives.

When you get in touch with Crimestoppers, you have the power to speak up and stop crime, 100% anonymously. Find out more at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/hardcallssavelives.