Greenwich stabbings: Tributes paid to two 16-year-old boys stabbed to death

“They were both good sons. They were both good kids and were both loved by so many people.”
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Tributes have been paid to two 16-year-old boys who were stabbed to death this weekend.

Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke were stabbed within a mile of each other in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead, southeast London.

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Friends said they were both “good sons” who were “loved by so many people” but were not best pals.

The motive for the attacks on the teenagers remains unclear.

Met Police officers have arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of their murders.

Tributes left to the teenagers. Photo: SWNSTributes left to the teenagers. Photo: SWNS
Tributes left to the teenagers. Photo: SWNS

A steady stream of well-wishers left flowers and lit candles on Sunday evening near where Mr Solanke was found stabbed to death on Titmuss Avenue in Thamesmead.

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Pals and family members of both boys turned up, hugged each other and many were crying as they left tributes to their loved one.

A woman who left flowers at the scene and knew both boys, but did not want to be named said: “They were both good sons. They were both good kids and were both loved by so many people.

“They had the same hobbies, they would go on their bikes and that was the main thing they really did.”

A tribute left to one of the teenagers. Photo: SWNSA tribute left to one of the teenagers. Photo: SWNS
A tribute left to one of the teenagers. Photo: SWNS

She added: “They were just beginning their lives and came from really big families. There are a lot of people who are heartbroken.

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“Charlie was playing with his baby nephew just a few hours before it happened. It doesn’t make sense.

“They were both first born sons and were loved by their mothers. You would think they would be safe around here.

“They both knew each other and knew of each other but they were not close friends. I am just hoping the police find out what happened.”

A pal of Mr Solanke, 17, who did not want to be named said: “He was really nice and he was so, so funny.

“He was a really good boy, everybody knew him around here and everybody loved him.”