Two masked killers convicted after ambushing victims with knives in Croydon

Two men have been convicted of murder after ambushing their victim and knifing him to death over a lost fist fight just days earlier.

Shane Canavan, 23, and his half-brother Joshua Langley, 28, both from Purley, killed Bradley Hutchins.

Hutchins, 20, was targeted because he had come out on top in a fight with Canavan who had attacked him in the days leading up to the fatal stabbing on 12 September last year.

The pair were found guilty at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday of the murder of 20-year-old Bradley and wounding with intent another 19-year-old man.

Canavan was also found guilty of possession of a pointed or bladed article while Langley previously pleaded guilty to the same offence.

The thugs, who were prosecuted after overwhelming CCTV and forensic evidence was presented to the court, will be sentenced on 6 August.

Detective Inspector Matt Read, who led the investigation, said: "Our thoughts first and foremost today are with Bradley's family following the utter devastation they have suffered.

“Not only did they lose Bradley in awful and unnecessary circumstances, but they had the additional suffering of another relative being seriously injured too. He continues to be treated for his injuries to this day.

"We were quickly able to identify Canavan and Langley as being responsible for this terrible attack. We established that Canavan had been involved in a fist fight with Bradley and the other man a few days prior in which he had been the aggressor but had come off worse. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt then.

"Canavan however could not let it go and went out looking for the two victims, this time with a knife. When he found himself outnumbered by the pair and some friends he called for back-up in his half-brother Langley, and he himself also arrived with a knife and wearing a balaclava.

"A fight then ensued in which Bradley and the other victim fought back with makeshift weapons. However, they were both stabbed multiple times."

The court had heard how Bradley and the other victim had staggered to a nearby ambulance station after the fight in North Walk, New Addington, where they were treated for their wounds. However, the 20-year-old had suffered a fatal chest wound.

Bradley’s family said: “We are obviously very happy with today’s verdict and are glad that these two men will now be off the streets where they can’t hurt anyone else. We are grateful to everyone who has helped to bring about this conviction today.

“In reality though it is no victory to us as we have lost our son and brother. Bradley was the best son a Mum could ask for - he was always happy, forever smiling and was known by so many people for his kindness, always willing to help others. He will be forever remembered as our hero.

“Bradley was yet another young person killed in a senseless attack with a knife - more has to be done to address knife crime, to save lives and to prevent another family from being shattered by the devastating loss of someone they love. No parent should ever have to experience the loss of a child.”