Detectives have named the victim of a fatal stabbing in Thornton Heath as Usmaan Mahmood, 20, who lived in the area.
His next of kin are being supported by specially trained officers.
A post-mortem examination held on Thursday, 15 June confirmed his cause of death as sharp force trauma.
The investigation is led by Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan from the Met’s Specialist Crime (Homicide). He said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Mahmood’s family at what is an unimaginable time for them. I have assured them that I and my team will do everything we can to bring them justice.
“A young man has lost his life and it is imperative we identify those responsible. Londoners don’t want violent criminals in their communities and we must work together to remove them from our streets.
“We believe Mr Mahmood was stabbed inside Thornton Heath Recreation Ground before running out on to Sandfield Road and collapsing. We are appealing for anyone who may have been at the park at the time of the time to come forward with any information.
“Please do the right thing and call us with anything that could assist our investigation and bring his killer to justice.”
At 16:16hrs on Tuesday, 13 June, officers on patrol in Thornton Heath were made aware of a man who was injured at the junction of Melfort Road and Sandfield Road.
Mr Mahmood was found with stab injuries. Officers performed CPR and requested support from the London Ambulance Service. He was taken to hospital but sadly died there in the early hours of Wednesday, 14 June.
There have been no arrests and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.
Any witnesses or anyone who can assist the investigation are asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 5777/13Jun. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively you can submit information at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS23V26-PO1
