Murder scene: Surrey Street Market yesterday evening, soon after the fatal attack
A crime scene remained in place on Fellmonger’s Yard and parts of Surrey Street Market this morning, following the murder in broad daylight yesterday of a 20-year-old man.
People on the market at just before 6pm on Friday related seeing a scooter or motorbike carrying two people, arrive near the scene with one carrying a large knife or machete. Others suggest that there may have been three attackers, all of them carrying bladed weapons.
The victim suffered at least two stab wounds, one to his chest.
The attack is thought to be related to gangs of drug dealers who operate, often openly, along the market street.
Police and ambulance vehicles arrived at the scene possibly 20 minutes after the attack.
A police car on Church Street was seen to be damaged, perhaps after being involved in a collision near the tram tracks.
Despite a large police presence and attendance by the London Ambulance Service, including the air helicopter which landed in the playground of Old Palace School, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
One eyewitness saw one suspect running down Surrey Street and turning down Scarbrook Road, pursued by police officers.
Market aftermath: police on Surrey Street yesterday evening, close to Fellmonger’s Yard, where the young man died
The police helicopter was active over South Croydon more than an hour later, with multiple vehicles on the ground also involved in a mass search.
The Metropolitan Police said: “One man has been arrested in connection with the incident and taken into police custody.
“Officers remain in the area carrying out urgent enquiries. Local people with information and concerns are urged to speak with those officers.”
- Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD6022/12Apr. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
- If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, or want to publicise your residents’ association or business, or if you have a local event to promote, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com
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