Stabbing victim, 23, loses fight for life

POLICE launched a murder inquiry yesterday after a man died of stab wounds – a week after he was attacked.

The 23-year-old became London’s 76th murder victim this year.

Last night police appealed for help in their inquiries as they hunted a knife-wielding thug who stabbed a 15-year-old schoolboy on Sunday evening.

The teenager was said to be in a “stable” condition after suffering non-life threatening wounds in Eltham, south-east London.

The murder of the young man and the stabbing of the boy are believed to be linked.

The murder victim was attacked outside a block of flats during what police called “an altercation between a group of males”.

Despite suffering serious wounds and loss of blood, he staggered nearly 200 yards and took refuge in a flat, Scotland Yard revealed.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition after the attack in Bermondsey, south London.

Staggered

Detectives renewed appeals for information as they launched the murder inquiry.

Police said they were alerted by the London Ambulance Service after the murder victim staggered into a residential address in Bermondsey, around 6.20pm on June 11.

A Yard spokeswoman said yesterday: “At the address, a 23-year-old man was found suffering from stab injuries.

“He was taken to a south London hospital in a critical condition and was sadly pronounced dead at 11.20am this morning.

“His next of kin have been made aware. A post-mortem will be scheduled in due course.

“There have been no arrests.”

Detective Inspector Ian Titterrell said: “We believe an altercation involving a group of males began in Linsey Street.

“The victim then took shelter at an address.

“We know there were a large number of people in the vicinity at the time of the attack and I am appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.

“Any information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.”

Those with information can call 101. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.