The Metropolitan Police has named the victim of Friday’s murder on Surrey Street as 22-year-old Rijkaard Salu Siafa, from Croydon.
Murdered: Rijkaard Salu Siafa
Officers continue to support Rijkaard’s family.
A 20-year-old man who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder remains in custody.
As Inside Croydon reported, Siafa died in Fellmongers Yard, off Surrey Street, following an attack by at least three others, one of whom was armed with a machete. Siafa suffered at least two significant stab wounds, one to his chest.
According to witnesses, it took emergency services at least 20 minutes to respond to calls following the attack.
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.
Last night, Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Rijkaard’s family and friends who are coming to terms with his death following this shocking incident. This loss has ripped an irreparable hole in their family and I would ask their privacy is respected at this difficult time.
“I would also like to thank those members of the public who rushed help Rijkaard in the immediate aftermath.
“If you saw events unfold but have yet to contact police, then I would ask you do so immediately.
“Local residents will continue to see an increased police presence around the area of Fellmongers Yard – if you have any concerns, please speak to one of them.”
Superintendent Mitch Carr, who leads for community policing in Croydon, said: “The local teams in Croydon will be working to ensure a visible police presence across the town centre to offer reassurance to the community. Please do speak to officers about any concerns you may have.
“I would also like to pass on my thanks to the community for their assistance and cooperation to officers who responded to this extremely challenging incident.”
- Anyone with information 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.
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I saw earlier that this has been linked to drug gangs who operate in Surrey Street. I sometimes wonder how much worse things could get if these drugs were legalised in some way?
“Saw earlier”?
You mean, “Read it first on Inside Croydon”, surely?
What’s the point of “an increased police presence” now?
A presence beforehand might have deterred the criminals.