A murder investigation has been launched by Metropolitan Police after a teenage boy was found stabbed to death in a South London park in a suspected gang-related attack.
The victim, identified as 17-year-old Renell Charles, was discovered with multiple stab wounds in a recreational ground on Scotchman Road, Croydon, on Tuesday evening. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Discovery of the Body
Police were called to the scene at approximately 7:15 PM on Tuesday, 25th June, following reports from concerned members of the public. Officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics arrived to find the teenager suffering from critical injuries.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated: "A crime scene remains in place and a number of enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances. At this early stage there have been no arrests."
A Community in Mourning
The brutal killing has sent shockwaves through the local community in Croydon. Friends and family have begun gathering at the scene to lay floral tributes and pay their respects to the victim, described by those who knew him as a "good kid."
Local residents expressed their horror and grief, with many calling for an end to the senseless knife violence plaguing the capital's youth. The incident has reignited concerns about rising gang-related violence in the city.
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the Scotchman Road area between 6 PM and 7:30 PM on Tuesday evening.
Police are examining CCTV footage from the area and conducting door-to-door enquiries as they work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic attack. The investigation is treating the stabbing as potentially linked to gang activity.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room on 101, quoting reference CAD 5581/25Jun, or to remain anonymous by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
