Camden murder investigation: Victim Mark Carroll had been stabbed when he collapsed in park

A murder investigation has been launched after a man who died after collapsing in a park was found to have been stabbed.

When Mark Caroll collapsed in St Martin’s Gardens, Camden, at about 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon (April 11) he was initially thought to have had a cardiac arrest.

But Mr Carroll later died in hospital and medics discovered that he had been stabbed.

Detectives have since recovered a knife and say that witnesses report seeing “a man making slashing motions towards the victim and his friend”.

A 19-year-old man was arrested nearby on suspicion of murder and a crime scene remains in place.

The family of the 55-year-old from the Camden area have been informed and a post-mortem is due to take place today.

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Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson, from specialist crime, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have spoken to several people as part of our enquiries, however we believe there may be others who witnessed this incident, or the moments leading up to it, and I would ask them to come forward.

“This attack happened in a park, and I expect that a number of people would have been in the area. Were you in the vicinity of St Martin’s Gardens between 1pm and 2pm? Did you see anything? Were you approached by a man whose behaviour caused you concern?

“We are also continuing to review CCTV and would also ask anyone who has a video doorbell, or who was driving in the area with a dash cam, to please check their footage.

“It is vital that we establish what happened and recover all possible evidence.”

Superintendent Annmarie Cowley, who is responsible for policing in Camden, said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with Mark’s family and friends who have suffered an unimaginable loss. We know that this attack will also be of significant concern within the wider community, especially as it happened in such a public place.

“We are continuing to liaise with our partners, and you will see additional officers in the area over the coming days while we continue to investigate this tragic crime. I would ask that you speak with them if you have any information. It is only by working together that we can reduce violent crime, and we really need your help with this investigation.”

Any witnesses can call police on 101 or post @MetCC quoting reference CAD 3650/10Apr.

To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555.