London's latest murder victim attacked by 3 masked men - could attack on car week before hold key?

LONDON'S latest murder victim was stabbed after being assaulted by three masked men, police have said.

Patrick Gomes De’Almeida, 25, (above) has been named as the man fatally stabbed outside a block of flats in London Road, Morden, at 10.57pm on Thursday, October 1.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. Two men, including Patrick, were found with stab wounds.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 11.26pm.

A second man, aged 33 was taken to hospital. His injuries were assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing.

A Met Police spokesman said: "Officers have reason to believe that three masked suspects assaulted Patrick outside an address in London Road, before he was fatally stabbed. They left in a car.

"The week before Patrick’s murder, his white Volkswagen Scirocco was deliberately damaged on London Road, SM4.

"The damage is believed to have occurred in the evening of Wednesday, September 23, or in the early hours of Thursday, September 24.

"At this time officers are investigating whether the two incidents are linked."

In a tribute released by Patrick’s family, they said: “He had a heart of gold. He was loving, caring and full of life and laughter. You always knew when Patrick was in the room. He had the gift of making people smile.

"Patrick will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Life will not be the same. As he always said ‘It’s not a party without Patrick.”

Homicides detectives from the Specialist Crime South Command are investigating.

No arrests have been made.

DCI Helen Rance, who leads the investigation, said: “Patrick’s family are heartbroken that he has been taken from them, and I and my team are working around the clock to piece together what happened and find out who is responsible.

“Those responsible for this vicious attack are dangerous, and I know there are others out there who have information. It is vital that they come forward, whether by speaking to us or anonymously to Crimestoppers, and share what they know.

“I want to speak to anyone who was in the London Road area close to Grosvenor Court and Homefield flats in the evening of Wednesday, September 23, or in the early hours of Thursday, September 24, or between 10pm and 11pm on Thursday, October 1 in the same location.

“We are working tirelessly to track down the perpetrators but the public also play a huge role in helping to both prevent and detect crime. We need their help to identify those willing to commit terrible acts and carry weapons.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 7953/01Oct. Alternatively, to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.