Boy arrested over murders of two teenage boys in south-east London
The 16-year olds were fatally stabbed a mile apart.
Last updated 28th Nov 2022
A teenager's been arrested on suspicion of murder after two 16 year olds were stabbed to death just a mile apart in London
Kearne Solanke and Charlie Bartolo were found with stab wounds in Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead, and Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, on Saturday afternoon.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “This is a positive development in what is a complex and fast-moving investigation. Charlie and Kearne’s families have been informed.“Our investigation is ongoing and we continue to appeal for the public’s help as we build a picture of what happened on Saturday night. If you have information, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, please come forward.”
Earlier, Detective Superintendent Richard McDonagh, from the South East Command Unit which includes Greenwich, said: “Tackling violence is a priority for the Met. Days like today show why that work is so important, and why I must again ask all of London’s communities to work with us, and our partners, so that we are doing all that we can together to prevent such tragedies.
“We have already heard from a number of witnesses, and I am grateful to them for getting in touch and providing information to police.
“Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a dark coloured SUV or 4x4 type vehicle with distinctive silver roof bars in the areas around Sewell Road or Titmuss Avenue in the days before, and prior to the murders.”
"We have already heard from a number of witnesses and I'm grateful to them."
The Metropolitan Police were called out at around 5.10pm on Saturday to reports that people had been injured at both locations.
Both youths were pronounced dead and murder investigations were launched.
Crime scenes remained in place at both locations on Sunday, with police guarding the cordons.
Several teenage boys laid flowers by the cordon in Titmuss Avenue, where a forensics tent could be seen by some knocked over dustbins.
One was tearful as he placed a red love-heart balloon alongside them.
Officers later cordoned off a black Nissan and one said it is a "car of interest" in the investigation.
Mr McDonagh said he joins the community in "being deeply saddened and outraged by the senseless murders".
"things have been getting worse in recent years"
Local residents have spoken of their dismay at the murders.
Victor, 30, a football manager, who says he went to school with the victim's mother, said the stabbing was "not normal" for the area but things have been getting worse in recent years.
"There is a lot of stuff going on on the street with the young kids - it's due to the lack of youth centres.
"There is not really a place where kids say 'this is a safe environment'."
"I've got three kids. I went and told my partner (about the stabbing) and she said 'I want to get out of here'."