A man has been stabbed to death in south London in a spate of violence that has left 10 injured, police have said.
Metropolitan police officers responded to five reports of stabbings in Croydon within less than three hours on Friday evening.
Paramedics fought to save the man’s life but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
The force said there is no evidence to suggest that all the stabbings were connected. Officers will be patrolling the area all night, and police have been granted additional stop and search powers until Saturday morning.
Two males have been left with life-threatening injuries following the incidents, the Metropolitan police said in a statement, while another eight have also been wounded.
Police arrested two people following reports of a stabbing shortly after 9pm. One male was taken in on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and the victim, whose condition is not believed to be life-threatening, was also taken into custody.
Det Supt Nicky Arrowsmith said: “Sadly, tonight we have seen a number of needless and completely abhorrent violent altercations, including one that has tragically resulted in a loss of life.
“Officers will be on patrol throughout the night across the South Area Command Unit, with additional resources from the Violent Crime Taskforce and Territorial Support Group deployed to deter and prevent any further violence. A section 60 order granting police additional stop and search powers is in place across Croydon, until 8am on Saturday 6 February.”
He urged anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible.
Arrowsmith added: “Tackling violent crime in London remains the top priority for everyone in the Metropolitan police service. We have dedicated resources working to prevent, deter and tackle violence in all its forms, day and night and are utilising all available tactics and powers.
“Our officers continue to work around the clock to identify and pursue offenders, bring perpetrators to justice, support victims, take weapons off the street, engage and reassure the public, and keep our communities safe in London.
He said the force “cannot do this alone”, and needs to work closely with local communities to tackle violence. He called on anyone with information about crime – including people carrying weapons – to contact the police.