Second arrest in connection with fatal stabbing of teenager in park

A second teenager has been arrested following the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old in a south London park.

Zaian Aimable-Lina died at the scene of the attack in Ashburton Park, Croydon, south London, shortly after 7.30pm on Thursday.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder late on Saturday and is being held at a south London police station, the Metropolitan Police said.

Another 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday and has since been released on bail to a date in late January.

Officers called to reports of an assault in Ashburton Park found Zaian with stab injuries.

Despite the efforts of the police and the London Ambulance Service he was pronounced dead at the scene at 7.36pm, Scotland Yard said.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard made a direct appeal on Saturday for information about the local boy’s death.

He said: “My thoughts continue to be with Zaian’s family and friends as they cope with this tragic loss.

“My team are continuing to work around the clock so that we can give Zaian’s family the answers they deserve.

“Zaian’s death has sent shockwaves through the local community and London as a whole.

“He was just 15 years old and had his whole life ahead of him and we need the community to work with us to bring those responsible to justice.

“No matter how insignificant you may think it, if you have information that can help, you must do the right thing and contact us immediately.”

A second fatal stabbing, this time of a 16-year-old boy in Yiewsley, west London, less than an hour later on Thursday evening, made 2021 the bloodiest year on record for teenage homicides in London.

The victim of the second stabbing has yet to be named but a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.