Police release description of gang who murdered teen (From Your Local Guardian)
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Police release description of gang who murdered teen
4:03pm Friday 4th July 2008 in Croydon By Dan Menhinnitt
Cordon: Police and forensics investigate the scene of the crime
Cops investigating the murder of a 16-year-old in Thornton Heath have confirmed the teen was attacked by a gang armed with knives and a baseball bat.
Shakilus Townsend, from Tanners Hill, Deptford, was attacked by a gang of three boys and one girl as he walked through Beulah Crescent.
The three boys - who were wearing hoodies and bandannas over their faces - set on the teen stabbing him and hitting him round the head with a baseball bat.
Emergency services found the frightened teen fatally injured in a doorway being comforted by residents.
Shakilus, known as Shaki by his family, was rushed to St George's Hospital, Tooting, where he died just after midnight.
Police described his attackers as black and in their mid-teens. The girl was described as black, in her mid-teens and wearing a floral dress.
"We have a 92 per cent detection rate for knife murders. If you come forward, your evidence will help take dangerous individuals out of your community and help deliver justice to the community."
Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons
According to police the gang seemed to be unfamiliar with the area, and ran in various directions looking for a way to escape.
Officers recovered two knives from the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "I would urge those people to come forward and speak to the police, to help us bring justice to Shakilus' family and friends.
"I would reassure those witnesses that if you come forward you will be dealt with professionally and in confidence by officers from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.
"We have a 92 per cent detection rate for knife murders. If you come forward, your evidence will help take dangerous individuals out of your community and help deliver justice to the community."
To contact the investigation team call 020 8721 4205 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
