Detectives are calling on all witnesses to come forward as they mount a police hunt following the fatal stabbing of a 40-year-old man in his car in Clapham Common yesterday afternoon (Friday March 29).
Many people would have witnessed this ambush, which took place in the middle of the day, just off an extremely busy main road.
While police say they have had ‘a number of witnesses come forward’ they are appealing for motorists with any dashcam footage to get in touch.
They believe motorists could have ‘inadvertently captured’ footage vital to tracing the suspects described as three men of slim build.
The terrifying attack comes within three days of another killing in south London, in nearby West Norwood, where 25-year-old Ramane Wiggan was shot dead.
The temporary road closures have been lifted, but more officers have been drafted in and a Section 60 Order giving the police extra stop and search powers has been imposed.
Police were called at 2:37pm yesterday afternoon following reports of a stabbing on Clapham Park Road, close to Clapham Common tube station. The 40-year-old was found suffering from stab wounds and sadly died at the scene. The victim’s next of kin have now been informed.
At this early stage there have been no arrests. A crime scene is in place. A number of enquiries including review of local CCTV footage, searches and forensic analysis at the scene are still being carried out.
DCI Paul Healy, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a vicious and targeted attack on a man inside his car in a busy area.
“We understand the victim was driving a black VW Golf that was turning right from Clapham High Street onto Clapham Park Road when he was set upon by a group of males whilst sat inside his car. He received fatal injuries.
“The suspects, officers are working to trace are three males all of slim build seen leaving the area immediately after the attack.
“If you saw them or know who they are, I need you to get in touch with police urgently.
“The attack took place outside the Belle Vue Pub on Clapham High Street. If you were there and saw what unfolded or have information, we need to hear from you.
“A number of witnesses have come forward but I would also appeal to motorists in the area with any dashcam footage to get in touch as what they could have inadvertently captured may prove vital to investigators.
“Equally anyone with footage of the attack or aftermath is urged to get in touch”
The Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Simon Messinger has also spoken out today to try and reassure the local community that more resources are being put into place following both killings, but said there was nothing to suggest they are connected.
He said: “My officers remain at the scene today and around the area to provide reassurance to the local community and be on hand to help answer any concerns they may have.
“Homicide detectives do believe this was a targeted attack. That being said, I fully appreciate the alarm and concern this incident will raise particularly coming so soon after the fatal shooting of a young man in West Norwood. At this stage, there is nothing to suggest either incident is connected.
“There will be a visible police presence in the area with additional officers from the Violent Crime Taskforce drafted in to provide visibility and deter any further potential incidents.
“A Section 60 Order which grants police extra stop and search powers and help us prevent and deter any further potential criminality is in place and will be continually reviewed.
“A man has tragically lost his life in violent circumstances. Our thoughts are with the victim, and his family.
“If you saw anything, I would urge you to speak to those officers and tell them what you know.
“They are there to help you; bearing down on violent crime is one of our top priorities and we, our partners and the public must work together to tackle it.
“Communities play a vital role in tackling knife crime and may well hold information that can help us remove these offenders from the community.”
Any witnesses and those with information should call the Homicide and Major Crime Command Incident Room on 0208 358 0400, Tweet @MetCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
You can also pass on information in complete confidence online via www.fearless.org