Crime Desk

Detectives investigating the murder of a 54 year old man in Lewisham have arrested a fourth person in connection with the investigation.

The man in his 30's (D) and is currently in custody at a south London police station.

Police were called at around 23:50hrs on Saturday 17 July, to reports of two men stabbed in Downham Way, Downham.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended the scene.

One 54 year old man was taken to a south London hospital but pronounced dead at approx 00:45hrs on Sunday 18 July.

We know the identity of the deceased and next of kin have been informed, but we await formal identification.

A post-mortem examination was held at Greenwich Mortuary on Sunday the 18 July and the cause of death was given as a stab wound to the heart.

The second man, aged in his late 20s, was taken to a separate south London hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

A murder investigation has been launched by the Homicide & Serious Crime Command. An incident room has opened at Lewisham police station under Detective Chief Inspector Damian Allain.

DCI Allain said: "I believe the murder is linked to an altercation at the Downham Tavern pub in Downham earlier on Saturday night. I need to hear from anyone who witnessed the altercation at the pub or the subsequent stabbings in Downham Way."

Anyone with information that may assist police should call the incident room on 020 8721 4805 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two men and a woman were arrested in connection with the investigation and have been bailed to dates in August pending further enquiries.

It is believe this incident was isolated and involved parties known to one another. There is no suggestion of gang links.