A 23-year-old man was fatally stabbed in broad daylight on New Year's Eve in south east London, with witnesses describing the victim slumping to the ground screaming.
Two Arrests Made in Murder Investigation
John Temitope Onetufo, from Deptford, died at the scene in Grove Street, close to his home, just before 1pm on 31 December. Metropolitan Police detectives have arrested two individuals in connection with the murder: a 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man. Both remain in custody.
Local residents reported a frantic scene as the attack unfolded on a busy road in the middle of the day. One witness from Camden House, which overlooks the street, said: "I saw a guy slump and fall to the ground. There was a scream. I thought he had been run over."
Paramedics and residents battled to save the young man's life before emergency services arrived. "They battled to save him, but there was a lot of blood," the witness added. A mother of three at the scene told her children not to look, describing the incident as "very frantic" and noting it was not linked to "New Year drunkenness".
Forensic Search and Community Concerns
In the aftermath of the killing, forensics officers scoured a local park on Friday, 2 January, hunting for the murder weapon. The investigation, led by Detective Chief Inspector Sam Townsend, is progressing swiftly, with officers trawling through CCTV and doorbell footage and carrying out door-to-door inquiries.
The violent incident has sparked significant concern within the Lewisham community. Another resident of Camden House expressed anxiety, stating: "We would like to know if we are safe and whether this was a targeted attack or if we are all in danger."
Police Response and Appeal for Information
In response to the stabbing, the Metropolitan Police have stepped up patrols around the Deptford area. DCI Townsend offered the force's deepest sympathies to the victim's family and friends, assuring the public that the investigation remains their highest priority.
The attacker fled the scene before dozens of police officers and paramedics were dispatched. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the full circumstances leading to this tragic loss of life in the opening hours of the new year.
