A 17-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Sutton on Tuesday has been named by police as Ilyas Habibi.
Emergency services were called to Sutton High Street just after 7pm on Tuesday following reports that a teenager had been stabbed.
Officers found Ilyas, a student, suffering from knife injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.
His family was notified and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.
A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan who leads the investigation said: “We know that Ilyas arrived at Sutton High Street by train. Minutes after he came out of the station he was involved in an altercation with the suspect who then fled the scene.
“Ilyas had suffered fatal wounds. It isn’t clear if the suspect was also injured. If you know the suspect, or if you are him, please get in touch.
“Members of the public who have information and material they want to share with us can do so via our online web portal.”
Witnesses told of a "scene of carnage" following the incident.
A gym goer said: “I’d done a workout then went out into the high street where there were blue lights flashing and a boy on the ground. It was carnage, there were paramedics with equipment and onlookers were in shock. It’s a busy high street there were quite a few people around. There were a group of boys nearby, some had hoods up.”
Restaurant worker Hector Fernandez, 24, said: “I was working but heard shouting and police cars puling up. I looked out and saw people in a panic. Someone told me there was a stabbing and the attacker was on the loose. It’s truly shocking this should happen in the streets of London.
"I’m originally from Colombia which is very violent. You do not expect this in London. It’s bad for the reputation of this great city.”
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittan, leading policing for the Met’s South Area Command said: “I know that those who live and work in Sutton will be shocked and saddened at the loss of a young life on the streets that they call home.
“I share those emotions and would like to reassure local people that we are doing everything we can to support our homicide colleagues in identifying and apprehending the person, or persons responsible.
“I urge anyone who is concerned to approach officers on patrol and speak with them or get in touch with their Neighbourhood policing team.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this sad time. I would like to thank the community for their patience as we carry out our enquiries, and urge anyone with information concerning this incident to get in touch.”
Anyone with information concerning this incident should call the incident room direct on 0208 721 4622; call police on 101 or Tweet on ‘X’ @MetCC quoting 6107/5DEC.
