Scotland Yard this afternoon named the woman murdered on Frith Road on Saturday morning as 26-year-old Marjama Osman.
Murder victim: Marjama Osman
The police also revealed that they have now arrested two men, both on suspicion of murder, though both have been released on bail.
Neighbours and friends of Osman described her as “smiley and bubbly” and “lovely young woman”. They said she lived alone in a flat on Frith Road, but immediately before her death, they had heard her screaming for help before a neighbour called the police.
Another local resident told Metro that they had seen “a furious argument” taking place on the street between three people: “There was very loud arguing, it was very aggressive. There were three people: a woman and two men.”
Police, the London Ambulance Service and the air ambulance were called to the scene in central Croydon, close to Surrey Street market, just after 9am on Saturday. Osman was declared dead at the scene after what the police described today as “sustaining a single stab wound”.
Formal identification is yet to take place, but Osman’s family are aware and are receiving support from specialist officers.
A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, before he was taken to hospital for treatment.
Yesterday, a 32-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of murder, the police said.
“Both men have since been released on bail whilst enquiries continue,” the Met said today.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, who is leading the Met’s investigation, said: “We appreciate that this tragic incident has caused real concern within the community in Croydon.
“Our priority at the moment is to continue gathering the evidence we need to hold whoever is responsible for Marjama’s death to account, whilst supporting her family at this difficult time.”
At the weekend, investigating officers described the stabbing as “an isolated incident”.
More detail: Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams
Today, DCI Whellams provided a little more detail: “Our understanding at the moment is that Marjama was assaulted inside an address on Frith Road before going into the street where she collapsed. We are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area to contact us and assist with our investigation.
“We appreciate that there is speculation within the local community around Marjama’s death. I would encourage anyone who may have heard anything concerning her death to contact us. These conversations within the community could lead us to getting the justice Marjama deserves.”
The scene, near the junction with Church Street, remained cordoned off most of Saturday, as forensic detectives conducted their investigation, with an increased police presence in the area throughout the weekend.
Jose Joseph, the Surrey Street trader who chairs the Croydon Business Association, led calls for increased policing in the area, and asked for an urgent meeting with the Borough Commander to discuss how to make the town a safer place.
This latest violent incident was close to where 22-year-old Rijkaard Siafa was murdered in a violent stabbing on Fellmongers Yard, off Surrey Street, in April 2024. Two men were convicted of murder earlier this year, but a third suspect remains at large.
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Such a shame