Downham stabbing: Further arrest as 16-year old boy charged on suspicion of murder

A 16-year-old boy was arrrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday November 12, after attending a south London police station.

On Friday, 11 November, a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, from Specialist Crime, said: “Our investigation into Gabriel’s murder remains ongoing, and I would like to thank the public for the help that they have provided to my team. We have now located a male who we previously named in a wanted appeal.

“Whilst four people have now been arrested, with two of those charged, I am still keen to hear from anyone with information who has not yet come forward. Did you see or hear anything? Please make the call.”

Police investigating the fatal stabbing of Gabriel Petrov Stoyanov in Downham have now charged two teenagers with his murder.

The boys, aged 14 and 17, were charged on Friday November 11, and appeared at Bexley Youth Court.

They were remanded into the care of the local authority and will appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday November 15.

In a statement, Gabriel’s mother Mariana, said: "“Gabriel was a young man with a sparkling personality and infinite goodness in his heart. He was taken from us far too soon in the most brutal and cruel way. Gabriel was loved by many, he had a wonderful sense of humour, he was easy-going, compassionate, always ready to help others. We are devastated by his unnecessary loss, just when his life as a bright, passionate, and motivated adult was beginning.

“He will always be remembered, and we will keep him in our hearts forever. I am so grateful that God sent him to me. He taught me to be a mother, we grew together in life. We went through many challenges together, through the good and the bad, he made me the person I am today. Gabriel, I love you and I will love you until my last breath.”

Emergency services were called to Bromley Road, Downham, where they found Mr Stoyanov suffering from stab wounds at around 11.40pm on Friday, November 4.

He was taken to hospital for treatment but died during the afternoon of Saturday, 5 November.

Police believe was stabbing repeatedly by three men who fled the scene on foot.