Arrest made after woman stabbed to death in south London street
Police were called to Stockwell Park Walk in Brixton on Monday afternoon.
Last updated 2nd May 2023
A relative of a woman who was fatally stabbed during the afternoon of Bank Holiday Monday has said "it's still so raw", while several people were seen praying at the scene of her death in south London.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at around 4.04pm to reports of a stabbing on Stockwell Park Walk in Lambeth, and an arrest has been made.
An air ambulance also attended, but the woman, believed to be in her 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her family have been told, and they are being supported by specialist officers.
"It's just so raw."
Four people were seen praying at the police cordon beside Rumsey Road, which runs parallel to Stockwell Park Walk, at around 9pm on Monday evening.
Among them were the victim's father, who did not wish to speak.
When approached by the PA news agency, one woman in the group, who did not want to be identified, said: "It's still so raw.
"Family are on their way here now and we still need to tell them what's happened. It's just so raw."
Cordon remains in place
Police have closed a number of surrounding roads as forensic teams continue investigating, and a blue tent could be seen within the cordon.
Florence Eshalomi, the local MP, expressed her condolences on Twitter.
The Labour and Co-op MP for Vauxhall said: "Very sad to hear of a tragic stabbing of a woman near Stockwell Park Walk this afternoon.
"There is a crime scene in place and investigations are at an early stage."
Police have urged witnesses and anyone with information to call 101 quoting CAD 4278/01 May, or to get in touch anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800
She was approached from behind
Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and have carried out a number of enquiries, including a review of CCTV from the area. They have also spoken to several witnesses.
Based on these initial enquiries, it is believed the woman was walking along Stockwell Park Walk when she was approached from behind by a man who attacked her.
At this early stage of the investigation, there is no information to suggest the victim and the man were known to each other.
A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.
Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, local policing commander for Lambeth, said: "This is a shocking attack and my thoughts are with the woman's family and friends as they come to terms with this awful news. We will do everything we can to support them at this incredibly difficult time.
"I recognise the considerable concern this incident has caused and I'd like to reassure you that a dedicated team of detectives are carrying out a number of enquiries and have made an arrest.
"Despite this, we have additional officers in the area to respond to any concerns from members of the community and I would ask people to report any suspicious activity to us."