Murder scene: one week on from the fatal stabbing of Rijkaard Siafa on Surrey Street, the Met Police have today arrested a second suspect
Detectives investigating the murder of 22-year-old Rijkaard Siafa in Croydon last Friday have today made a second arrest.
A 34-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of this morning at an address in Lambeth on suspicion of murder, and he “remains in custody at a south London police station”, according to a Met spokesperson.
The police had arrested a 20-year-old man “at the scene” last Friday, on suspicion of murder. He has been released on bail until mid-June, without charge, “pending further enquiries”, according to the police.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command leads the investigation and said: “While this arrest marks a significant development in our investigation, I am still appealing to anyone with information about Rijkaard’s murder to come forward.
“We have had a great response from the local community and I would like to thank those who have helped us so far. However, if you saw or know something that could assist I would urge you to get in touch immediately.”
Murdered: Rijkaard Siafa
It was just before 6pm last Friday, in broad daylight with Surrey Street still busy with stall-holders and shoppers, when a scooter or motorbike carrying two people arrived at the Church Street end of the market. One was carrying a large knife or machete.
Eyewitnesses suggest that there may have been three attackers, all of them carrying bladed weapons. They chased into Fellmongers Yard and attacked Siafa, who suffered at least two stab wounds, one to his chest.
Police and ambulance vehicles arrived at the scene possibly 20 minutes after the attack.
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, Siafa was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination took place yesterday and gave cause of death as multiple stab wounds.
The attack is thought to be related to gangs of drug dealers who operate, often openly, along the market street.
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.
You can also make contact and upload any material which may assist the investigation at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS24W40-PO1
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