A man in his 60s has been charged with murder following a stabbing incident at a market in Walworth, South London, which resulted in the death of a 77-year-old man and left two others seriously injured.
The attack occurred around 10:40 GMT on Sunday in East Street, Walworth. The Metropolitan Police responded to reports of multiple people being stabbed. Upon arrival, officers discovered three men with serious injuries. Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, from Southwark, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two other victims, both men, were rushed to the hospital, with one remaining in critical condition.
The suspect, Musse Ali, 66, of no fixed address, has been charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder. He is scheduled to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Victim’s Family Supported by Specialist Officers
The police confirmed that McLeggan’s family is aware of his death and is being supported by specialist officers during this difficult time.
Ch Supt Seb Adjei-Addoh, who oversees policing in Southwark, described the incident as “horrific” and thanked members of the public who assisted officers at the scene. He reassured local residents and businesses that there would be an increased police presence in the Walworth area to maintain safety and provide reassurance.
False Terrorism Claims Addressed
The police also addressed rumors circulating on social media, which suggested the stabbing might have been a terrorist incident. The Metropolitan Police clarified that their inquiries indicated no evidence to support these claims. They urged the public not to speculate and to focus on providing any relevant information to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Call for Information
The Met is appealing to anyone with information about the incident to come forward. People can contact police on 101 or report information anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
As the investigation continues, the community in Walworth is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities.