Specialist Metropolitan Police divers have conducted a detailed search of a lake in a South London park as part of an ongoing murder investigation.
Search Linked to New Year's Eve Killing
The underwater operation took place at the swimming lake in Beckenham Place Park on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The park straddles the border of the London boroughs of Bromley and Lewisham. Authorities closed the lake to the public while the meticulous search was carried out.
This police activity is directly connected to the investigation into the death of John Temitope Onetufo, a 23-year-old man from Deptford. Onetufo was fatally stabbed on Grove Street in Lewisham just before 12:35pm on New Year's Eve, December 31 last year. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Arrests Made and Specialist Resources Deployed
In connection with the murder, detectives have already made two arrests. A 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man were taken into custody on suspicion of murder on January 2.
Photographs from the scene at Beckenham Place Park showed the scale of the search. Expert divers, clad in heavy kit, were seen entering the water to scour the lake bed for potential evidence. A specialist police lorry, equipped to support the diving unit, was also present at the location.
Appeal for Information Continues
The Metropolitan Police continue to urge anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward. Individuals are asked to call 101, quoting the reference CAD2852/31Dec. Information can also be shared via the Met's X account, @MetCC.
For those who wish to remain anonymous, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 111 555.
