Witnesses have described how knife-wielding killers in balaclavas ambushed two men in Croydon, leaving one fatally wounded and the other injured.
The stabbing in North Walk followed a chase through the streets of New Addington. Police were called to the scene just after 6pm and found two men with stab injuries.
One of the men, a 20-year-old, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was taken to hospital. The condition of the second man, aged 19, is not thought to be life-threatening.
One witness said: “They were wearing balaclavas they were chasing two boys, they were rampaging through the street and round the alleys.
“There was a massive commotion. One of the injured boys was put in a car. There was blood everywhere.”
Police raided a house after the killing.
A witness said: “There were police everywhere, it looked like they were kitted up for war. They smashed in a door I think they were looking for the killers.”
Locals said the violence had spilled over after a fight the day before the killing.
One said: “There had been a fist fight the day before, this time they came back with knives.”
Officers were trawling for CCTV footage from around the area and carrying out door to door inquiries.
Forensics teams have also been scouring for clues.
A mother of three said: “We are all devastated, one of my kids saw boys in balaclavas, it’s no way to live.”
A crime scene remained in place at the scene on Wednesday morning. The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed.
Detectives said that a 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder as they appealed for footage of the broad daylight stabbing.
Met Detective Inspector Jason Fitzpatrick said: “This fatal attack happened in daylight and I’m sure it would have been witnessed by a number of people.
“We are carrying out a number of enquiries, including a review of local CCTV. I would ask that anyone who has a video doorbell, or who was driving in the area with a dash cam, to please check their footage.
“It is vital that we establish what happened yesterday evening and locate those responsible.”
Extra patrols are being pledged in the area after the attack.
Croydon Mayor Jason Perry said: “I know that residents across New Addington and Croydon as a whole will be deeply saddened and distressed to hear about tonight’s incident.
“My thoughts are with the families of the victims and all those affected. I would also like to thank the local emergency services who responded so quickly and professionally to this serious incident.”
Croydon Central MP Sarah Jones said she was “devastated” to learn that a man had died, and urged local residents who may have witnessed the fight to contact police.
