A patient has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a nurse in his 60s was fatally stabbed at a mental health facility in south London. The victim suffered multiple knife wounds during the incident at Southleigh Community Hospital in Croydon and was pronounced dead at the scene. He has not yet been formally identified.
Police arrested a 40-year-old man at the scene at around 2.40pm on Thursday. He is believed to have been a patient at the facility and is currently being treated at another south London hospital for a hand injury.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'We believe the man arrested was a patient residing at the facility. We retain an open mind relating to the circumstances surrounding the incident.' Officers have stated they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the killing.
Southleigh Community Hospital, a private facility providing treatment and rehabilitation for adults with long-term mental health problems, expressed sorrow. A hospital spokesman said: 'We are greatly saddened to confirm that a member of staff lost his life yesterday following an incident in the hospital. Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues. He was a valued and respected member of staff who will be deeply missed.'
A postmortem examination is due to take place at Croydon mortuary on Saturday. Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, and witnesses can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
