A murder investigation has been launched after a 23-year-old man died following a stabbing in Thornton Heath, with three men later charged in connection with the case. Police say the attack happened in the early hours of Thursday, 9 July, and is believed to have followed an earlier altercation nearby in Prince Road.
Officers were called to Livingstone Road at 4.52am after reports of an assault. When police arrived, no victim or suspects were found at the scene, but officers were assisted by members of the public who reported that a fight had taken place involving a group of men.
A short time later, the victim self-presented at a local hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead, and police later named him as Matheus Dos Santos Mori. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Three men aged 28, 38 and 44 were arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday and have since been charged. The Met said the defendants are Rodrigo Gomes Da Silva, 38, Caio Vinicius, 28, and Weder Da Costa, 44, all of Prince Road, South Norwood. They are due to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 11 July.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who is leading the investigation, said officers responded swiftly and that residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while enquiries continue. He added that, at this stage, police believe the incident to be isolated.
Police are appealing for anyone with information, or footage that may help the investigation, to call 101 and quote CAD 1189/09Jul. Information can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers.
The case is likely to draw close attention in Thornton Heath and the wider Croydon area, where residents have already reported a heavy police presence around the scene. The fact that arrests and charges followed within 24 hours underlines how quickly detectives moved after the fatal incident.
