A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed to death in a south London park.
A 19-year-old is in police custody while detectives continue investigating the fatal stabbing of Usmaan Mahmood, 20, in Thornton Heath Recreation Ground on June 13.
The arrest was made on Monday, Metropolitan Police said, as officers continue their appeal for anyone with information about the stabbing.
Mr Mahmood’s family has been notified of the arrest as they continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
The 20-year-old died from sharp force trauma on June 14, a post-mortem examination confirmed.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan from the Met’s Specialist Crime Unit, who is leading the investigation, said: “My officers are continuing to provide support to Usmaan’s family at this unimaginably difficult time for them. Getting justice for them and for Usmaan continues to be our priority.
“This morning we made an arrest in connection with Usmaan’s murder. However, I still need to hear from anyone who may have information about what happened.
“A young man has lost his life and it is imperative we identify those responsible. Londoners don’t want violent criminals in their communities and we must work together to remove them from our streets.
“We believe Usmaan was stabbed inside Thornton Heath Recreation Ground and we are appealing for anyone who may have been at the park at the time of the incident to come forward with any information.
“Please do the right thing and call us with anything that could assist our investigation and bring his killer to justice.”
At 4.16pm on Tuesday June 13, officers on patrol in Thornton Heath were made aware of a man who was injured at the junction of Melfort Road and Sandfield Road.
Mr Mahmood was found with stab injuries. He was taken to hospital but sadly died there in the early hours of Wednesday June 14.
Any witnesses or anyone who can assist the investigation are asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 5777/13Jun. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively information can be submitted at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS23V26-PO1.
