Yet another teenage life is lost to London's knife crime epidemic - murder probe launched in Croydon

ANOTHER teenaged boy has been murdered with a knife in London - the twentieth murder victim aged under 20 in the capital this year.

A murder investigation has been launched in Croydon following the fatal stabbing of the 16-year-old in the early hours of today. Police were called at 12.46am on Thursday, July 1, to reports of a disturbance at a residential address on Bracken Avenue in Shrublands, Croydon.

He is believed to have been attacked at the doorstep. A Met Police spokesman said: "Officers attended and found a 16-year-old male inside the address suffering from stab wounds.

"They provided immediate first aid prior to the arrival of the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. "Despite the efforts of emergency services, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.34am.

"At this early stage we retain an open mind concerning motive. There have been no arrests. Enquiries continue."

A vehicle believed to have been abandoned by the killer or killers is also being looked at.

His next of kin have been informed and formal identification is awaited with a post-mortem examination due to be held. Detective Chief Inspector Dave Blair of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said: “At this early stage we have two active crime scenes, the address where a young man lost his life and in nearby Warren Street where the vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects was abandoned. “I thank the local community for their patience while my officers gather evidence and urge anyone who witnessed any stage of this horrific series of events to come forward and speak with officers.” Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 0208 721 4961, call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 249/1JUL. To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers_uk.org. Hard calls save lives. Are you close to someone on the fringes of knife crime? Do the right thing, please give information, 100 per cent anonymously, through the independent charity Crimestoppers.

No piece of information about knife crime is insignificant or too small. Any information you give to Crimestoppers can make a difference in reducing knife crime and the harm it causes to families.

Crimestoppers never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or the device you use. Fill in their quick online form or call 0800 555 111. It could save a life.