Greenwich murders: Fundraisers for funerals of Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke killed in fatal stabbings

Friends of the families of two teenage boys who were stabbed to death in south east London last weekend are raising funds to cover the costs of their funerals.

Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke, both aged 16, were stabbed to death in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead on Saturday.

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy on Tuesday morning while a 15-year-old boy was arrested later in the day. Both remain in custody.

Another 16-year-old boy has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

At around 5.10pm on Saturday, November 26, police rushed to reports of two people injured at two separate locations - Sewell Road, Abbey Wood and Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead.

Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.

At each location, they found a 16-year-old male with stab wounds. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, both boys died.

Their families continue to be supported by specialist officers, the Met said.

Two separate GoFundMe pages have been set up to help the families cover the funeral costs.

Shelby Nicholls who has organised Kearne’s fundraiser wrote: “As many have seen on the news and social media, what has happened to our Kearne, at 16 years young his life has been taken.

“All we wish is to make this time a fraction less stressful for his family by helping with Kearne’s funeral costs, as little as £1 will be appreciated as any little helps.

“He was loved and cared for by so many and we hope to give him the send off he deserves.”

Sandra Bushell who has organised Charlie’s fundraiser wrote: “As you all know Emma tragically lost her son Charlie this weekend so I have set up this page to help her to get the funds for Charlie’s funeral so he can have a send off he deserves and to help out his family in this difficult time.”

Det Supt Richard McDonagh, from Greenwich Police, said: “Police are investigating the tragic murders of two teenage boys, and my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families and friends - and indeed with local people in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead who I know are shocked and appalled by what has happened.

“As the Deputy Borough Commander of the Met’s South East Command Unit, I join them in being deeply saddened and outraged by these senseless murders.

“I can assure everyone affected by these murders that skilled detectives will work tirelessly to discover what happened and provide answers to the young victims’ families.

The Met says officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a dark coloured SUV or 4x4 type vehicle with distinctive silver roof bars in the areas around Sewell Road or Titmuss Avenue in the days before, and prior to the murders.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, giving the reference 4943/26NOV, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.