A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder after the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old in Battersea, south-west London, in an incident that has shocked the local community.
Jamal Coombes was found seriously injured near Lavender Hill in the early hours of Saturday, 20 June, after police were called to reports of a stabbing on Glycena Road at around 4.20am. Emergency services, including paramedics and the London Air Ambulance, attended the scene, but he died despite efforts to save him.
The Metropolitan Police said the teenager charged, who cannot be named because of his age, is due to appear at Highbury Corner Youth Court on Tuesday. He faces charges of murder and possession of a knife.
Police also confirmed that a girl and two boys, all teenagers, have been arrested on suspicion of murder as part of the wider investigation. They remain in custody while detectives continue to appeal for witnesses and information about what happened.
The killing has added to growing concern about knife crime in London, where families, schools and community leaders continue to call for stronger action to keep young people safe. The case has also renewed attention on the impact of violent crime on teenagers and the wider fear it leaves behind in local neighbourhoods.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact police and assist the investigation.
