14-year old boy arrested in connection with fatal stabbing in Downham

Police have arrested a teenage boy in connection with the murder of 21-year old Gabriel Petrov Stoyanov in Downham.

The teenager was charged on Tuesday 8 November on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Today’s arrest is a positive development, but we know there were up to two further suspects involved. Our investigation continues at pace and we have a number of ongoing lines of inquiry to attempt to identify and trace the other individuals.

"I would urge anyone with information which could assist us to come forward.”

Emergency services were called to Bromley Road, Downham, where they found Mr Stoyanov suffering from stab wounds at around 11.40pm on Friday, November 4.

He was taken to hospital for treatment but died during the afternoon of Saturday, 5 November.

Friends of Mr Stoyanov spoke of him as “a true gentleman with a heart of gold”.

Police believe was stabbing repeatedly by three men who fled the scene on foot.

One friend wrote on Facebook: “Left the party too soon my friend. I hope you are in a better place…. Words are not enough, but we will always carry you in our hearts.

“We’ll see each other again I’m sure I’m asking anyone willing to help his family through this ordeal. We love you, Gabriel!”

Elliot Jones, a friend of Mr Stoyanov has raised more than £3,000 to help the victim’s family.

DCI Allen, who is leading the murder investigation, said: “We know there were several people in the Bromley Road area who either witnessed this incident or the events leading up to and after this incident.

“I would urge them, along with any road users in the area who may have captured events on dashcam to come forward and speak to police.

“A young man’s family is grieving following another senseless loss of life to knife violence; please help them get justice and speak to police if you know anything that could help us.”

Anyone with information or any witnesses who are yet to speak with police are asked to call 101, quoting reference CAD 8645/04Nov.