Lewisham murder investigation launched after 17-year-old stabbed to death

Police have launched a murder investigation after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death following a fight in south-east London. Two male teenagers, aged 15 and 16, are currently in police custody at a station in south London after being arrested close to the scene, which was subsequently cordoned off.

Officers were alerted to an "altercation" between a number of youths on New Cross Road, Lewisham at about 7.40pm BST on 3 April. The boy who had been stabbed was discovered by police on Camplin street close by.

He was transported to a south London hospital by the London Ambulance Service (LAS), but he was pronounced dead just before 9.00pm BST. The victim's next of kin have been informed and a post-mortem examination will follow.

A probe has been launched and police are appealing for anyone with information of the incident to come forward. "It was still daylight when the altercation began and we believe there could have been many people in the area who may have seen something which could provide valuable information to the investigation," said said Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Reeves.

"I would urge them to contact police as soon as possible," she added. The victim was originally identified as a 15-year-old boy, but his age was amended in a police statement.

In 2015, 15 teenagers were killed by knife crime in the capital – the highest level in seven years. The victims were all male

An incident room has been opened at the homicide and major crime command. Anybody who has information on the incident is being urged to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4868, the police non-emergency line on 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.