Boy, 15, charged with murder after 15-year-old Zaian Aimable-Lina fatally stabbed in Croydon

A boy, 15, has been charged with murder of another 15-year-old, who was knifed in the heart in a south London park.

The Met Police charged the teen for the murder of Zaian Aimable-Lina, who was stabbed in Ashburton Park, Croydon, on Thursday, December 30.

The teenage boy - who cannot be named for legal reasons - was arrested on suspicion of murder late on New Year’s Day, taken to a south London police station, and charged on Monday, January 3.

He is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday, January 4).

The victim, who lived locally, was one of two youths stabbed to death in London that night, meaning 30 teenagers were murdered in the city in 2021, the highest since the Second World War.

And the two fatal stabbings on December 30 took the number of teenagers murdered in London since Sadiq Khan was elected as mayor in May 2016 to 132.

Det Ch Insp Richard Leonard, who is leading the murder probe, said: “Zaian’s death has sent shockwaves through the local community and London as a whole.

"He was just 15 years old and had his whole life ahead of him and we need the community to work with us to bring those responsible to justice.

"No matter how insignificant you may think it, if you have information that can help, you must do the right thing and contact us immediately.”

Detectives launched a murder investigation after reports of an assault shortly after 7pm on December 30.

Police gave first aid after discovering Zaian with stab injuries before paramedics arrived.

He was pronounced dead at the scene at 7.36pm, and a post-mortem examination gave his cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

On Friday, December 31, a separate 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder, and later released on bail to a date in late January.

Scotland Yard said Zaian’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Det Ch Insp Leonard added: “My thoughts continue to be with Zaian’s family and friends as they cope with this tragic loss.

“My team are continuing to work around the clock so that we can give Zaian’s family the answers they deserve.”

And Supt Dan Knowles, of Croydon Police, said: “This tragic loss of a young life on our streets has rightly and understandably caused considerable concern among the local community.

“Our colleagues in Specialist Crime are continuing their investigation and my officers are carrying out enhanced patrols in the local area.

“I urge anyone who can help us to approach those officers and tell us what you know.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4622, or police via 101 quoting reference CAD 5443/30Dec.

To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.