Greenwich stabbings: What happened, who are the murder victims and are the ‘tragic’ attacks linked?

The two 16-year-old murder victims of a double fatal stabbing in Greenwich have been named for the first time by police as Charlie Bartolo, and Kearne Solanke.

It comes as the two incidents were confirmed to be related.

Met Police officers launched a murder investigation after the two boys were killed in southeast London - with crime scenes in place in both areas and appeals for information ongoing.

The deputy commander of southeast London police described the deaths as “senseless” and said he was “saddened and outraged”.

Emergency services rushed to reports of injuries in Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, and - one mile away - in Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead, at around 5.10pm on Saturday, November 26.

Paramedics and the air ambulance attended but the two 16-year-old boys both died. And police have now confirmed the victims’ identities as Charlie Bartolo, and Kearne Solanke.

Their murders are being treated as linked, the Met Police has said, and anyone with information is urged to contact the force - or Crimestoppers - as soon as possible.

Speaking at the crime scene in Thamesmead, Det Supt Richard Mcdonagh said the murders were “tragic” and “an extremely sad day for all of us who live or work in Greenwich”.

He said: “My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families and friends - and indeed with local people who I know are shocked and appalled by what has happened.

“I can confirm the two young victims are Charlie Bartolo, and Kearne Solanke.”

He continued: “Their families are aware and we ask that their privacy is respected at this unimaginably difficult time. Specialist officers will ensure they are given all the support we can provide.

“Homicide colleagues are investigating, and are treating the two murders as linked.”

The investigation is being led by a specialist homicide investigators team in Lewisham.

“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,” Det Supt Mcdonagh added.

“Tackling violence is a priority for the Met. Days like today show why that work is so important, and why I must again ask all of London’s communities to work with us so that we are doing all that we can together to prevent such tragedies.”

The Det Supt told reporters: “We have already heard from a number of witnesses, and I am grateful to them for getting in touch and providing information to the police.

“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.

“Any witnesses, or those who knew Charlie or Kearne and might be able to offer some information or insight into these senseless killings, are urged to contact police.”

A Met spokesperson said: “As officers work to keep people safe, a Section 60 authorisation is in place until 7am on Monday, November 28, in areas of SE2 and SE18. Please see the @MPSGreenwich Twitter account for further details.”

To speak to the Met, dial 101 and quote reference 4943/26NOV, or to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, dial 0800 555 111 or go online. They will not ask your name or trace your IP address.