Tributes have been left in Battersea, south London, UK, after a 17-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed in the early hours of Saturday, June 20, was identified as Jamal Coombes.
Flowers, candles and handwritten messages have been placed on Glycena Road, where Jamal was attacked and later died despite efforts by emergency services to save him. One tribute read, “You were destined for greatness,” while another said, “I love you Jamal RIP angel.” A third message described the teenager as someone who should “fly high in the highest heavens.”
Police were called to Glycena Road at about 4:20am on Saturday following reports of a stabbing believed to have been linked to an altercation in the area. Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, where they found Jamal suffering from serious injuries.
Despite extensive efforts by paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Metropolitan Police have since launched a murder investigation and made three arrests in connection with the killing. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article. Due to his age, he cannot be named for legal reasons. He is scheduled to appear before Highbury Corner Youth Court on Monday, June 22. Two other suspects, a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, were arrested on suspicion of murder but have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Jamal’s family has been informed of his death and continues to receive support from specially trained officers. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie said investigators are still working to establish exactly what happened and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
“Our thoughts remain firmly with Jamal’s loved ones following his tragic death,” he said. “I understand the impact this incident has had on the local community. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak with one of our officers on patrol in the area this week.”
Howie said detectives believe there was an altercation before the fatal stabbing and urged anyone who was in the Lavender Hill area between 3:30am and 5am on Saturday to contact police.
“As our enquiries continue, I am appealing directly to the public. We believe that there was an altercation prior to the assault, so if you were in the Lavender Hill area between 3.30am and 5am, specifically Glycena Road, Acanthus Road or Pountney Road, and witnessed a group of men running, please come forward,” he said.
“Any information, no matter how minor it may seem, could prove crucial. CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage may provide vital evidence. I would also urge members of the public not to assume that information has already been shared, any detail could be of significant importance to the investigation.”
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to piece together the events that led to the teenager’s death and seek further information from members of the public.