There was a “further disturbance” near to St Peter’s Church in South Croydon last Sunday, less than 24 hours after a 22-year-old man was left with life-threatening injuries as a result of a knife attack.
Crime scene: St Peter’s Church in South Croydon, where the stabbing occurred last Saturday
Two vicars have issued a statement to their congregation, offering prayers “for the community as a whole as it recovers from this shocking incident”.
The Metropolitan Police told Inside Croydon that one man had been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm in connection with Saturday evening’s attack, but that he had been released on bail.
The victim was still in a life-threatening condition in hospital, but “stable”.
The police have not updated their statement since, and did not respond to questions today about any further incidents.
In a social media post by the South Croydon Benefice, which covers St Peter’s and St Augustine’s churches, Rev Linda Fox and Rev Michael Nayagam wrote: “It was hugely sad to know that yet again, violence towards and among young people in our community led to serious injuries for a young man in St Peter’s churchyard last Saturday evening.
“St Peter’s congregation is praying for his recovery and for all those who were called to the incident – the paramedics and the police.
“But our prayers are also for the community as a whole as it recovers from this shocking incident.
Holy orders: the statement issued by the two vicars this week
“We know that there was a further disturbance on the following day and that many of the residents are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.” For most of Sunday the churchyard remained taped off as a crime scene, with police officers present.
Rev Fox and Nayagam have invited people affected by last weekend’s events to visit St Peter’s this Saturday, between 10am and noon, to “see us, talk about what happened, sit quietly and pray as you need to”. And they added: “If you would like to join us for the service at 11am on Sunday morning, we will be pleased to see you and chat with you over a cup of tea or coffee at the end of the service, whether you are a church-goer or not.”
The police say, “Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or X @MetCC and quote CAD 6360/27JUL24. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”
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