A man in his 40s was fatally stabbed in Wimbledon town centre in the early hours of Sunday morning in what police have launched as a murder investigation.
Officers and paramedics, including London’s Air Ambulance trauma team, were called to The Broadway at 12.37am on Sunday 22 February after reports of a stabbing. The man was found with stab wounds and treated at the scene, but died despite the efforts of paramedics.
A man in his 30s was arrested later that night on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. The Metropolitan Police say they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the killing and are treating it as an isolated incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family. This is a shocking act of violence in the heart of a busy town, and we understand the impact this will have on the local community. While we have made an arrest, we still need anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward. No detail is too small.”
The killing is a reminder that knife crime remains a serious threat in south-west London. Wimbledon is the nearest major town centre to Putney, and fatal stabbings have hit closer to home too, with a teenager killed in broad daylight in Wandsworth last October.
In a striking contrast, Hammersmith and Fulham Council announced this weekend that knife crime across the adjacent borough has fallen by 44% in recent years, partly attributed to a £9.3 million investment in 2,500 CCTV cameras and a specialist Gangs Unit that secured 755 arrests last year alone.
The incident happened close to several bars and restaurants on The Broadway. The road was closed in both directions between Gladstone Road and Stanley Road following the incident, with buses 57, 93, 131, and 213 diverted.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 244/22FEB. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Putney.news will update this story as more information becomes available.
