A young man has been stabbed to death in south London by a gang who drove off in his £13,000 SUV, detectives said.
Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto, 27, was attacked on Mayfield Crescent, Thornton Heath at about 10.30pm on Tuesday.
The group of men then fled in a grey Vauxhall Grand X Elite - registration DL19LVS - that Mr Peixoto had been travelling in. The vehicle is yet to be recovered.
Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “This was a violent attack which has caused devastation to Michael’s family and friends.
“While my team continues to work hard to establish the motive behind this attack, it does not appear that the theft of the car was the reason.
“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and saw the events unfold, and has yet to speak to police, to come forward. Also, if anyone can assist us in locating Michael’s vehicle or identifying those responsible for this barbaric attack, then I would urge you to get in touch.”
Officers attended with paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance who treated Mr Peixoto at the scene.
But despite the efforts of emergency services to save him, he sadly died.
Mr Peixoto’s death is the 11th murder in Croydon in 2023 - the highest number of any borough and a tenth of capital’s total homicides.
A post-mortem examination took place on Thursday confirmed cause of death as a stab wound. Formal identification has taken place and Mr Peixoto’s family continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
There have been no arrests and enquiries into the circumstances continue.
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, responsible for policing in Croydon, added: “I know that local people will be concerned by this incident, particularly as it took place on a residential street.
“I would like to reassure those who live in Mayfield Crescent that the location of this incident was purely incidental. There does not appear to be any connection or threat to anyone living in the immediate area.
“I would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while our Specialist Crime colleagues have conducted their enquiries.
“You will continue notice a more visible police presence in the area and I urge anyone with information or concerns to approach officers and speak with them.”
Among Croydon victims this year was Elianne Andam, the 15-year-old schoolgirl who died after being stabbed at a bus stop in September.
Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry said Mr Peixoto suffered “significant stab wounds”, adding: “I am deeply saddened by this tragic incident and send my heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and friends as well as to all those in the local area who are affected by such terrible news.
“Croydon stands united against violence of all types.
“I know that the residents of Thornton Heath will come together to offer their support to anyone who needs it at such a difficult time, and especially coming so close to the Christmas period.”
Anthony King, a youth worker from the My Ends project, told the Standard last week: “Knife crime is out of hand. The stabbings have been frightening. It has to stop. But young people are carrying a lot of knives.”
Mr King said local police and the community were “doing excellent work” but there was a lack of family and youth services.
