Police link murders of two teenage boys in south-east London

Police have named two teenage boys who were stabbed to death a mile apart in south-east London and confirmed they are treating the murders as linked.

The boys, both aged 16, have been identified as Kearnie Solanke and Charlie Bartolo.

Solanke was found with stab wounds in Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead, and Bartolo was discovered in Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking in Titmuss Avenue, Det Supt Richard McDonagh of the Metropolitan police said: “Homicide colleagues are investigating and are treating the two murders as linked.”

McDonagh said police wanted to hear from witnesses who may have seen a dark 4x4 vehicle: “Officers are especially keen to hear from anyone who might have seen a dark-coloured SUV or 4x4 type with distinctive silver roof bars in the areas around Sewell Road or Titmuss Avenue in the days prior to the murders. We have already heard from a number of witnesses and I’m grateful to them.”

He added: “I can assure everybody affected by these murders that skilled detectives will work tirelessly to discover what happened and provide answers to the young victims and families.”

Police were called at about 5.10pm on Saturday to reports that people had been injured at both locations.

McDonagh said: “Emergency services attended immediately and at each location they found a 16-year-old boy suffering stab injuries. Tragically, both boys died of their injuries.”

He added: “As deputy borough commander of the Met south-east command unit, I join the community in being deeply saddened and outraged by these senseless murders.” Specialist officers are supporting the bereaved families.

McDonagh said: “Tackling violence is a priority for the Met. Days like today show why our work is so important and why I must ask all again for London communities to work with us and our partners so that we are doing all we can together to prevent such tragedies.”

He added: “I’m appealing for any witnesses who may have seen either incident. I’m also interested in speaking with those who knew Charlie and Kearne and might be able to offer some information or insight into the senseless killings.”

Several teenage boys laid flowers by the cordon in Titmuss Avenue, where a forensics tent could be seen by some knocked-over dustbins.

Speaking on her way to church, neighbour Bamidele Folorunso said: “It is very sad. We just found out the boy was on the floor and the police came and they tried to resuscitate him.”

A visibly upset Folorunso added: “Since then, everyone in the area has been mourning. It is very sad to lose a 16-year-old boy.”

Victor, 30, a football manager who says he went to school with one victim’s mother, said the stabbing was “not normal” for the area but things had been getting worse in recent years.

“There is a lot of stuff going on, on the street with the young kids – it’s due to the lack of youth centres. There is not really a place where kids say ‘this is a safe environment’.”

Gillian Southwest, 48, who also lives on the road, said: “It is terrible. I have lived here for 28 years. If it’s the boy I think it is he’s a really a good boy.”

A 32-year-old man, who has lived on Titmuss Avenue for most of his life but did not wish to be named, said he was waiting for an ambulance for his grandmother when a commotion began.

“I heard some noise at about 6 o’clock – the bins were all rattling. There are always kids running through making noise but something like this is out of the ordinary.

“To hear something like this in this area is shocking.”