Police probe possible murder link with second stabbing incident

Updated

The rush hour murder of a man on a popular commuter short cut may be linked to a second stabbing less than an hour earlier.

Detectives are investigating whether the death of Daniel Young, 30, in Kendor Gardens, Morden, south-west London, on Tuesday is connected to a non-fatal stabbing around 1.5 miles away.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wasting police time and subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder. He was taken to a police station in south London and has since been released on bail.

The first attack was on a 23-year-old man, who was taken to hospital after he was knifed in the buttocks in Lewis Road, Mitcham, south London, at around 7.25am on Tuesday, January 19.

Just over 40 minutes later at 8.07am, police were called to Kendor Gardens - a park used by commuters as a short cut to Morden Tube station and Morden Road tram stop - where Mr Young, who was from Morden, had been stabbed.

Despite treatment from paramedics and air ambulance medics he was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses said the victim, who was on his way to work, was smartly dressed in a shirt and trousers.

Police continue to appeal for any information about the attacks.

Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, who is leading the investigation, said: "Although we are in the early stages of our investigation this appears to be unprovoked attack on a man that was simply going about is daily business.

"The stabbing occurred during the rush hour period and there would have been a number of commuters in the vicinity.

"I believe that suspect would have entered and exited Kendor Gardens via Dorset Road and Kenley Road. From which direction they entered and exited has yet to be established.

"I would like to hear from anyone who was in or around the Kendor Gardens area between 07:50hrs and 08:15hrs who can help with establishing the movements of the suspect."

Anyone with information can call police on 020 8721 4961 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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