Key Points
- Four stabbing incidents occurred in Lewisham within one week, sparking public outrage and police investigations.
- The fatal stabbing of 27-year-old father Sanchini Thompson in Rushey Green, Lewisham, on October 15 is central to the spate of violence.
- Sanchini Thompson was described by relatives as a “pillar of kindness” and devoted father to his four-year-old daughter.
- A man has been arrested in Scotland on suspicion of murder in connection with the Catford stabbing of Sanchini Thompson.
- Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, linked the surge in violent crime partly to longer days, school holidays, and summer heatwaves.
- Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford is leading the Met Police investigation and urged public cooperation in solving the crime.
- No other arrests have been made yet in relation to the other stabbings in Lewisham.
- Sadiq Khan has reiterated his commitment to combating knife crime, highlighting previous funding for youth support programmes.
What Happened in Lewisham During the Horror Week of Four Stabbings?
As reported by the Express on October 20, 2025, the shocking escalation of violent knife attacks in Lewisham reached a tragic peak when 27-year-old Sanchini Thompson was fatally stabbed in Rushey Green in the early hours of October 15. Police and London Ambulance Service paramedics responded promptly to the incident and treated Mr Thompson at the scene. Despite life-saving efforts, he died later in hospital from a stab wound to the chest.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, leading the investigation at the Metropolitan Police’s specialist crime unit, confirmed a murder inquiry has been opened, with no arrests initially made. The motive and circumstances were still being explored, and the public was encouraged to provide any relevant information to the police.
Who Was Sanchini Thompson, and How Has His Family Responded?
The Southwark News highlighted the personal impact of this tragedy with statements from his family describing him as “the heartbeat of his family” and a “pillar of kindness.” His relatives spoke movingly of his devotion to his four-year-old daughter and the generosity and compassion he showed to friends, neighbours, and even strangers. His death has left a profound void for those who knew him, described as a man who “brightened every room he entered” and whose spirit will live on through cherished memories.
What Has Sadiq Khan Said in Response to the Violence?
Amid the wave of violence in Lewisham, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan addressed the issue publicly. According to a report from Yahoo News, Khan suggested that the spike in violent crime, including the Lewisham stabbings, was influenced partly by longer daylight hours, school holidays, and summer heatwaves, which he indicated can contribute to social tensions and increased incidents of violence.
He has been actively involved in directing funding towards tackling knife crime and youth violence across London, having pledged £400,000 in 2016 to support programmes aimed at preventing youth from engaging in criminal activity and assisting victims. Khan has urged hospital staff to cooperate with police by reporting knife-related injuries to improve policing effectiveness.
What Actions Are Police Taking Following the Lewisham Stabbings?
Police work remained intensive following the incidents. On October 23, Southwark News reported a significant development: a man was arrested in Scotland on suspicion of murder linked to the deadly stabbing in Catford, Lewisham, on October 15—the case involving Sanchini Thompson. This marks the first arrest in connection with the fatal attack. The police maintain a wide inquiry, with other stabbings in the area still under investigation and no further arrests reported yet.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford expressed gratitude towards local residents for their patience and reiterated the police commitment to eradicating knife crime from the community shortly after the incidents.
How Is the Community Reacting to the Lewisham Stabbings?
The grim impact of the four stabbings in one week has shaken the Lewisham community. Media coverage underscored the sorrow and call for action from local families, residents, and officials alike, who demand safer streets and justice for victims like Sanchini Thompson.
Khan’s statements, police appeals, and community vigils underscore the broad desire to stem the tide of knife crime, highlighting ongoing challenges in London despite previous efforts to curb youth violence and provide support to vulnerable individuals.
