Petts Wood: CCTV released as police seek two young people after teenager’s murder

The Metropolitan Police have released CCTV of two people as part of a murder investigation into the death of Orpington teenager Max Moy Wheatley.

The 19-year-old was stabbed in the heart at Jubilee Country Park, close to Tent Peg Lane in Petts Wood, on the afternoon of September 20 and died at the scene.

Detectives investigating the murder on Thursday released images and CCTV of two young men they want to speak with. The men are seen boarding a bus in the footage.

Detective Chief Inspector Laura Semple from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said: “Our investigation has already made good progress in piecing together the events that led to the attack on Max and we are now in a position to ask the public for their help in identifying these two males.

“Do you recognise them? If so, please get in contact with my team. Your information will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.

“However, if you’re not confident speaking to police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They will not ask for your identity.”

Detectives wish to identify and speak to these men (via Metropolitan Police)
Detectives wish to identify and speak to these men (via Metropolitan Police)

An investigation was launched after police were called by the London Ambulance Service to reports of a man stabbed in Jubilee Country Park.

Officers and the Kent Air Ambulance attended. Despite their efforts Mr Wheatley died at the scene. His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination held on Friday September 22 gave cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

There have been no arrests so far.

Max Moy Wheatley (Met Police)
Max Moy Wheatley (Met Police)

Superintendent Lewis Collins, from the Met’s South Area Command Unit, said earlier this week: “Our thoughts are with this young man’s family and friends.

“This is a tragic incident, which occurred in a quiet area, and I know it will also impact the local community.”

There were 14 teenage homicides in the capital last year, and most were the result of stabbings. The worst year for teen homicides in London was 2021, when 30 teenagers lost their lives.

Detectives would also like to hear from anyone who captured the stabbing on camera or has taken images that could assist their investigation.

Footage and photos can be uploaded via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS23V71-PO1. Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 3972/20Sep. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.