Scotland Yard this morning named the victim of the fatal stabbing in an affray at Valley Retail Park in the early hours of Sunday morning as 22-year-old Lorik Abazi, from Croydon.
Murder victim: Lorik Abazi ‘had his whole life ahead of him’
Abazi was one of three men found with stab wounds when police and ambulance attended a call out to Hesterman Way, off the Purley Way, soon after 1am on February 15.
Seven arrests were made, three people on suspicion of murder.
“Lorik was a caring, smart young man with a good sense of humour and his whole future ahead of him,” his family said in a statement released today..
“We, his parents, brother, girlfriend, grandparents and extended family and friends loved him very much. A light has gone out in our lives, and we are devastated beyond words by his loss. We kindly ask for privacy at this time.”
Two women, both aged 25, and a 28-year-old man, were arrested on suspicion of murder. One of the women has been released on bail while the investigation continues, while the others remain in custody
Two 21-year-old men, the others found with stab wounds, were also arrested on suspicion of affray. One remains in hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. The other has been taken into police custody following his discharge from hospital.
Two other women, aged 21 and 22, were also arrested on suspicion of affray. The 21-year-old has been bailed while enquires continue and the 22-year-old woman remains in police custody..
Detectives investigating Abazi’s murder are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information to come forward. They have also asked that anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage that could be relevant to the investigation submits it online via the Major Incident Public Portal.
Croydon’s borough commander, Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn, said: “I know a tragic incident like this will concern people locally.
“We believe this to have been an isolated incident and I hope the fact we have a number of suspects in custody provides some reassurance to people in Croydon. We have increased patrols in the area and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to my officers.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting ref CAD511/15Feb. They can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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