‘Lovely and peaceful’ man stabbed to death after ‘clash with neighbour’

Forensic officers have been trawling the scene in south west London this morning(Picture: UKNIP)

A ‘lovely peaceful’ man died from fatal stab wounds at his south west London home after a clash with a neighbour, witnesses told Metro.

Locals said they heard shouting and rowing in Maple Close, Mitcham before desperate cries as the victim lay dying.

Police were called just after 7.30pm on Monday, and they found a 39-year-old man who had been stabbed.

He was taken to hospital where he later died.

The devastated family of the victim told Metro he was a ‘lovely peaceful man’.

A relative who visited the crime scene said: ‘We are devastated none of this makes sense. He was a lovely peaceful man.’

A mother of two told Metro: ‘I heard shouting and some back and forth. It went on a little while. Then we found out our neighbour had been stabbed.

‘He was a lovely guy from a very good family. It’s a total shock, the family are devastated.’

Police have increased patrols in the area following the incident (Picture: UKNIP) Witnesses told Metro the neighbours clashed in the street (Picture: UKNIP)

An IT worker, 34, who lives nearby told Metro: ‘There was some yelling all very aggressive. I couldn’t make out what was being said but it was very very heated.

‘The next thing I knew police were running down the street and paramedics were at the house where the man lived. He is a neighbour and from a very friendly family.’

Maple Close is cordoned off as forensics officers and detectives trawl for clues.

A man, aged 24, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He was taken into custody after attending a south London police station yesterday afternoon.

Police said in light of the incident, patrols are being stepped up in the local area to provide reassurance to residents.

Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, from Specialist Crime South – who is leading the investigation – said: ‘The victim’s loved ones are being supported by specially trained officers.

‘They have our deepest sympathies following this terrible loss.

A man has been arrested following the fatal stabbing in Mitcham over the weekend (Picture: UKNIP)

‘Anybody who witnessed the incident – or who has information – should contact the police on 101, quoting CAD reference 6812/28APR.

‘To remain 100 per cent anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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