Murder Arrests After Man Stabbed at Croydon Retail Park 2026

Key Points

• A 22-year-old man was stabbed to death at Valley Retail Park on Hesterman Way in Croydon, south London, following reports of a stabbing around 01:15 GMT on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
• Police and London Ambulance Service found three men with stab wounds at the scene.
• The victim’s next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers.
• Two women, both aged 25, and a 28-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.
• Two other men, both aged 21, suffered stab wounds; one has life-threatening injuries and remains in hospital, while the other is in police custody; both arrested on suspicion of affray.
• Two additional women, aged 21 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of affray; the 21-year-old has been bailed, and the 22-year-old remains in custody.​
• Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila is leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police.​
• A crime scene remains in place at Hesterman Way, Valley Retail Park, with police appealing for information, witnesses, or footage.
• Operation Deerborn has been launched by detectives to investigate the fatal stabbing.
• No names of the victim or suspects have been released publicly.

Croydon (South London News) February 17, 2026 – A tragic stabbing incident at Valley Retail Park has left one man dead and prompted multiple arrests on suspicion of murder, as reported across various outlets including the Metropolitan Police and Sky News.

What Happened at Valley Retail Park?

Emergency services rushed to Hesterman Way on the Valley Retail Park in Croydon shortly after 01:00 GMT on Sunday, 15 February 2026, following reports of a stabbing. Officers from the Metropolitan Police, alongside the London Ambulance Service, arrived at approximately 01:15 GMT and discovered three men suffering from stab wounds.

As detailed in the official Metropolitan Police statement, a 22-year-old man was transported to hospital by paramedics but was pronounced dead despite their efforts. His next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist family liaison officers. The other two victims, both 21 years old, were also hospitalised; one remains in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while the second has been discharged into police custody.

This account aligns with reporting from Sky News, which confirmed the sequence of events at the retail park, noting the rapid response to the early morning violence.​

Who Has Been Arrested in Connection with the Stabbing?

Two women, both aged 25, and a 28-year-old man were detained on suspicion of murder on the afternoon of Sunday, 15 February, and all three remain in police custody as enquiries continue. Additionally, the two 21-year-old male victims have both been arrested on suspicion of affray.

Further arrests include two women on suspicion of affray: a 21-year-old who has been bailed pending further investigation, and a 22-year-old who is still in custody. As reported by BBC News in their article on the incident, authorities have apprehended two women and a man on allegations of murder following the fatal stabbing.

No charges have been announced yet, and all suspects are being held as the investigation progresses.​

What Are the Suspicions Against the Arrested Individuals?

The primary arrests for murder relate to the death of the 22-year-old, with police focusing on those detained on Sunday afternoon. The affray suspicions against the injured men and additional women stem from their alleged involvement in the disturbances leading to the stabbings. Mirror Online coverage of similar incidents in Croydon highlights the pattern of multiple arrests in such cases, though this event is distinct.

What Did Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila Say?

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, leading the investigation for the Met Police, issued a statement expressing condolences. As quoted directly by the Metropolitan Police in their official release, Det Ch Insp Gammampila said:

“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family at his hugely difficult time, we cannot begin to imagine what they are going through.”​

He continued:

“We understand that this incident will be distressing to the local community. My officers continue to work at pace to unpick the events that unfolded and to apprehend those responsible. We urge anyone who may have knowledge of the incident to get in touch with police immediately.”

Sky News reporter similarly attributed this statement to Det Ch Insp Gammampila, emphasising the ongoing pace of the probe.​

Where Exactly Did the Incident Occur?

The stabbing took place at Hesterman Way within the Valley Retail Park (also referred to as Valley Leisure Park in some appeals), a commercial area in Croydon, south London. Police were called between 01:00hrs and 01:15hrs on 15 February 2026.

A crime scene remains secured at the location, with officers conducting enquiries including searches for CCTV footage or dashcam recordings. The Metropolitan Police’s public portal under Operation Deerborn specifies the appeal for information regarding this precise spot.

What Is the Current Status of the Investigation?

Detectives are working at pace to establish the full circumstances, as per Det Ch Insp Gammampila’s comments. A crime scene is still in place, and no further details on motives or weapons have been released.

The public is urged to contact police via 101, quoting reference CAD511/15Feb, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. MyLondon and other local outlets have echoed this call, linking to the police appeal.

How Can the Public Assist the Police?

Anyone with information, including video footage from mobile phones, CCTV, or dashcams, is asked to come forward immediately. As stated in the Met’s investigation launch, this includes witnesses who may have been in the vicinity of Valley Retail Park early on Sunday morning.

What Is the Impact on the Local Community?

The incident has caused distress in Croydon, a bustling area in south London known for its retail hubs. Det Ch Insp Gammampila acknowledged the community’s concern, noting the shocking nature of a fatal stabbing in a public retail space.​

Local news aggregators like MKFM and Reddit discussions reflect public shock, with users sharing details from police reports. No broader threat has been indicated, but the ongoing crime scene may affect access to Hesterman Way.

Who Are the Victims Involved?

The deceased is a 22-year-old man whose identity has not been publicly released out of respect for his family. The two 21-year-old men injured in the attack—one critically—have also not been named, and both face affray charges.

Specialist officers are supporting the deceased’s next of kin during this period. Reporting from BBC remains neutral on identities, focusing on ages and outcomes.

When Were the Arrests Made?

The murder suspects—a 28-year-old man and two 25-year-old women—were arrested on the afternoon of 15 February and remain detained. Affray arrests for the injured men followed their hospital treatment, with one still receiving care.​

The additional affray arrests of the 21- and 22-year-old women occurred later, with bail granted to the younger one. Timelines from Sky News match this sequence precisely.​

Why Is a Crime Scene Still in Place?

To preserve evidence and allow thorough forensic examination, the scene at Hesterman Way remains cordoned off. Officers are piecing together the events, as emphasised by Det Ch Insp Gammampila.​

This standard procedure ensures all potential leads are pursued, amid appeals for public assistance.​

Are There Any Similar Incidents in Croydon?

While this event is isolated, Croydon has seen prior stabbings, such as the January 2025 incident near a Sainsbury’s warehouse on Marlowe Way where five were injured and a man arrested. As reported by Mirror journalist in their breaking coverage, that case involved a parcel centre attack.

Another BBC-reported stabbing in Peckham involved a 19-year-old, but it is unrelated. Police stress this retail park murder is under separate investigation via Operation Deerborn.

In total, this south London tragedy underscores ongoing concerns over knife crime, though specifics remain under probe. Authorities continue their work, with community support vital.