A murder investigation has been launched after a 16-year-old died following a stabbing in Thornton Heath on Friday afternoon.

At around 3pm on Friday (9 July), police were called by staff at a south London hospital to a male suffering with critical injuries after being stabbed.

The teenage victim had been taken to the hospital in a private vehicle by members of the public.

The boy sadly died in hospital today ( Sunday) and his next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Officers established that the 16-year-old had been stabbed a short time earlier in Bensham Manor Road near the junction with Swain Road  following an altercation with two males on a moped.

Police are appealing for witnesses and  a  spokesman said ‘no arrests’ have been made.

Both roads along with Marion Road were cordoned off on Friday and all day Saturday as forensic teams, supported by dog teams and the police helicopter scoured the area. Officers were seen searching the drains  looking for the weapon.

Homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and  a post mortem will be carried out in due course.

Acting Detective Sergeant Helen Ayling said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family. We believe the victim had been involved in an altercation in Bensham Manor Road with two males riding a moped. We are appealing for anyone who may have knowledge of this incident or who may have seen the moped or suspects concerned to come forward.

“We also need to hear from anyone who may have dash cam or security camera footage from in and around Bensham Manor Road at around 3pm on Friday afternoon.”

Anyone who may be able to assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101, ref 4198/09jul. To remain contact anonymous please contact Crimestoppers.

Hard calls save lives. Are you close to someone on the fringes of knife crime? Do the right thing, please give information 100 per cent anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers. It can feel like a hard call, but it could save the life of someone you love.

No piece of information about knife crime is insignificant or too small. Any information you give to Crimestoppers can make a difference in reducing knife crime and the harm it causes to families.

They never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or the device you use. Fill in their quick online form or call 0800 555 111. It could save a life.