Stabbing Victim Named As Further Arrest Is Made
19-year-old Lejean Richards died at the scene
Police have named the victim in the fatal stabbing in Westbridge Road on Tuesday evening (February 5th).
The deceased has been named as Lejean Richards, aged 19, who lived in Battersea.
A third man was arrested on suspicion of murder following the arrest of a 19 and 27 year old who turned up at a central London hospital on Wednesday (February 6th).
Police were called to Wolsey Court, off Westbridge Road, at 19.52pm on Tuesday to reports of a stabbing. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Lejean Richards died at the scene at 20.36
Police are appealing for information and witnesses, including anyone with dashcam footage, to come forward.
Chief Superintendent Sally Benatar, of the South West Basic Command Unit said, “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Lejean at this sad time. This is another tragic death of a teenager as the result of a knife attack.
“A crime scene remains in place and local officers will be out to provide community reassurance and support the investigation.
“We are determined to work with the community and partner agencies in the borough of Wandsworth to tackle the issue of knife carrying and violence that has led to another young life being lost in tragic circumstances.
“We continue to work around the clock to find those responsible and bring them to justice. However, we cannot solve this alone, we need the public to help us. I am very thankful for the support of the community during the early stages of the investigation but I urge anyone with any further information about this crime to contact us by calling 101.
“I understand that some people may be reticent to contact the police, so if you aren’t comfortable speaking to us, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name and cannot trace your call.
“If there are any young people who either have information about this incident or other incidents of violence or knife crime, they can visit fearless.org where they can pass on information anonymously. Fearless is part of the Crimestoppers charity, and is also independent of the police.
“If you need help or information to support someone you suspect is involved in knife crime, or you want to assistance yourself, then you can visit knifefree or londonneedsyoualive.
Westbridge Road. Picture: Google Streetview
Detective Chief Inspector Mick Norman, leading the investigation, said, “At this early stage in the investigation, we are keeping an open mind about the motive of the attack. The stabbing took place close to a bus stop on Westbridge Road, opposite Wolsey Court, and it is believed the victim was attacked during an altercation involving a group of up to six people.
“Anyone who was in the area of the bus stop between 19.30hrs and 20.00hrs, who witnessed anything suspicious, is urged to call police on 101 quoting CAD 6767/5Feb or tweet @MetCC.”
Any witnesses and anyone with information about the stabbing is urged to cal police on 101 quoting
CAD6767/5Feb or tweet@MetCC.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
February 12, 2019