Greenwich stabbings: Two more boys arrested on suspicion of murders

Two more teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murdering two 16-year-old boys in south-east London.

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

Another 16-year-old who who was arrested on Sunday also on suspicion of both murders has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

DCI Kate Blackburn, from specialist crime, said: “The arrests are a positive development but we continue to work to understand the events that unfolded on Saturday evening.”

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 efforts of the emergency services, both boys died.

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

DCI Blackburn added: “We’ve now set up a facility which allows members of the public to send information and related material direct to the investigation team so that we can carry out a quick time assessment

“I am grateful for the information we have received already – we can only solve these tragic crimes in part thanks to the vital information which comes in from the public.

“We are aware of information which has been posted online referring to the murders, but would appeal specifically to anyone in the area that night who believes they witnessed something of relevance to please come forward and speak to us.”

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.

GoFundMe pages have been set up for both victims to raise money for their funeral costs.