A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after four people were stabbed to death on the Bonamy Estate in the early hours of Monday morning (April 25).
Police were called at about 1.40 in the morning on Monday to reports of a disturbance at a residential address on Delaford Road, SE16.
Officers forced their way in, where they found four people suffering what are believed to be stab injuries.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, all four people – three women and a man – were pronounced dead at the scene. One woman and the man were in their mid-sixties. The two other women were in their thirties and forties respectively.
A man in his late twenties was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to a south London police station where he remains in custody. Officers are not looking for anyone else at the moment.
The woman has been named as Dolet Hill, a former housekeeper at Guy’s Hospital.
The niece of the oldest reporter said told reporters that her aunt was “very loving, very kind, very generous.”
Venecia Reid added: “She worked very hard in this country to support her two girls and her two grandkids. She did not deserve this.”
Police think that all five people were known to each other.
Detectives from Specialist Crime are investigating. Forensic officers have set up several tents on the street, which is blocked off except to residents.
Chief superintendent Colin Wingrove, in charge of policing for the borough, said: “I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of all those concerned…
“This is a terrible incident and I fully understand how worried the community will be. We are working closely with our partners and local community groups to keep everyone informed and answer their questions.
“Extra officers will be in the area to offer reassurance – please speak to them, they are there to listen to you and act on your concerns.
“Homicide detectives have launched a wide-ranging and relentless investigation into these terrible events, please assist them by avoiding unhelpful speculation and allow them time to uncover the evidence.
“Such terrible events are rare, but I know that will not diminish the shock that will be felt across London and the wider country. I assure you, this investigation will leave no stone unturned in discovering the facts.”
Residents of the Bonamy Estate said on Monday morning that they were “shocked” by the killings, with screams reportedly heard in the middle of the night.
Kyriacos Pieri, who is the chair of the tenants and residents association, said that the group sent their condolences to the family of the victims.
He told the News: “Of course we are saddened by what happened, it’s terrible what’s happening here and across London.”
Another resident, who said she had lived on the estate all her life, said that the killings were “shocking.”
“But that’s London, isn’t it?”, she added.
Local politicians shared their horror at the news of the killings on Monday.
Southwark Council leader Kieron Williams said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of four people at an address in our borough. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims and we offer our condolences to friends, family and neighbours at this time.
“We are assisting the police with their investigation to find out what happened and our teams are out in the community today to support and comfort residents. I urge anyone who has information that may help the investigation to contact the police.”
London mayor Sadiq Khan said he was “heartbroken” by the attacks.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost loved ones in this awful crime,” he added.
MP for the area Harriet Harman said: “Tragically four people have been killed and that is shocking to happen anywhere but especially in this very peaceful, quiet, very settled community here.
“The police have arrested someone, but it’s really important still that people give information, any information they’ve got to the police so that whoever committed this horrific crime can be brought to justice.”
Anyone who has information about this incident should contact police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC, quoting CAD 406/25APR. Or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.