A 19-year-old man has died three days after being stabbed in broad daylight on Lavender Hill, prompting a murder investigation and urgent appeals for witnesses.
Rinneau Perrineau, known as Ren to family and friends, was attacked at around 3:26pm on Tuesday 21 October near the junction with Beauchamp Road. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to hospital with stab wounds.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, his condition deteriorated and he died on Friday, October 24. His family are being supported by specially-trained officers.
In a statement, Rinneau’s family said: “Ren was loved by many, he was always around his family. He will be dearly missed.”
The Metropolitan Police have made one arrest in connection with the attack, though no further details about the suspect have been released. Detectives described the investigation as “moving at a fast-pace” and believe the incident was isolated.
Acting Borough Commander Amanda Mawhinney said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this terrible time.”
“This was a shocking crime committed in broad daylight. A teenager’s life was taken, and his family and friends have suffered an irrevocable loss.
“Our officers are making every effort to bring those responsible to justice.”
Police believe several witnesses to the attack have yet to come forward. Investigators are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in Beauchamp Road between 3:20pm and 3:30pm on Tuesday afternoon.
Residents may notice an increased police presence in the area as patrols have been stepped up following the fatal attack.
The fatal stabbing occurred a short distance from Lavender Hill Police Station, the borough’s last remaining walk-in police counter. The station narrowly avoided closure earlier this month after community campaigning forced the Met to reverse budget-driven plans that would have left Wandsworth without any face-to-face police access for the first time in living memory.
The reprieve followed months of controversy after the Met announced in July it would shut the front desk as part of plans to save £260 million, having already closed counters at Putney, Battersea and Tooting stations in recent years.
Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting crime reference 4781/21OCT. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
