18-year-old in 'life threatening condition' after stabbing in Streatham Common playground

19 May 2024, 12:38 | Updated: 19 May 2024, 12:42

The scene on Streatham Common
The scene on Streatham Common on Saturday evening. Picture: Social Media
EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

A teenager is fighting for his life after being stabbed in the chest at a playground in Streatham Common on Saturday.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The 18-year-old victim was stabbed in the playground area of the popular south London park in a shocking act of violence that has left the local community reeling.

"This is getting ridiculous,kids should be supporting each other,not stabbing," said one Facebook user.

The teen was rushed to a hospital where he remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries from the knife attack.

London's charity air ambulance was deployed to the scene along with a large number of police and London Ambulance Service resources.

The Metropolitan Police have made an arrest in connection with the stabbing, but are still appealing for witnesses who may have information about the incident.

A spokesperson said: "An 18 year old was stabbed in the chest at the playground area. Condition still life threatening at this time. An arrest has been made."

Witnesses are asked to call the police non-emergency number 101, quoting the reference CAD Ref: 6961/18th May.

The stabbing has heightened concerns over knife crime in the capital, which has seen a spate of teenage victims in recent months. Between 2022-2023, there was a 16% increase in knife crime, with 18 teenagers being stabbed to death.

In 2024 24 people have died due to knife crime in the capital.

This is a developing news story, please check back for the latest.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Russia's Ministry of Defence acknowledged the strikes on airfields across five regions earlier today.

Russia promises 'retribution' after Ukraine launches unprecedented drone attack on Kremlin bombers

Christian Brueckner, at the time of his arrest in 2018, under an international warrant for drug trafficking and on charges of other crimes.

Madeleine McCann prime suspect brags about freedom from behind bars as major new search begins near his house

Exclusive
Disposable Vape Ban Flouted: Why Regulation Without Enforcement Falls Flat

'Regulation without enforcement falls flat': UK disposable vape ban already failing

Exclusive
Steve Reed said he'd go for a dip in the Thames.

Environment Secretary says he would have ‘no problem’ swimming in treated sewage water in the Thames

Exclusive
The Environment Secretary was speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari during Call the Cabinet

Thames Water 'facing difficult situation' as £4bn rescue deal collapses, Steve Reed tells LBC

Sharron Davies said the canoeist needs to make a choice between his sport and OnlyFans

Olympian Sharron Davies says canoeist in OnlyFans row faces tough choice between sport and 'very good money'

Dr Florian Willet, an assisted dying advocated, has died using a suicide pod.

Suicide pod activist takes his own life with assisted dying device after 'trauma' of murder arrest

Relatives and loved ones of Palestinians, who lost their lives after Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd gathered at an aid distribution point in the Al-Alam area of Rafah, mourn for their deceased ones at Nasser Medical Complex

At least 24 people killed by Israeli fire while waiting for aid, Gaza health ministry reports

House prices could rise due to new mortgage rules.

New mortgage rules could slash deposits for first-time buyers but add £19k to average house prices

Crystal Palace have lifted their first-ever trophy

Crystal Palace to meet UEFA officials as club risks being kicked out of Europa League after historic FA Cup victory

Erin Patterson (right) departs from the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Woman accused of using poison mushrooms to murder in-laws opens up about broken marriage

Police will reportedly search a house near the holiday resort where prime suspect Christian Brueckner previously lived.

Fresh Madeleine McCann search begins as cops scour area near prime suspect's home after tip-off

A report from Cancer Research UK found people are now more likely to get cancer than decades ago, but are less likely to die from the disease.

Cancer deaths fall by over 20% in 50 years – but cases continue to rise, report warns

This year, the cost of a minimum retirement living standard for a one-person household has decreased by £1,000 per year to £13,400

Cost of minimum retirement falls by £1,000 amid lower energy bills and changing expectations

The legal dispute between the two stars began in December 2024, when Lively alleged that Baldoni created a toxic environment during filming, causing “severe emotional harm” to her and her family

Blake Lively moves to withdraw emotional distress claims against Justin Baldoni amid legal battle

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is shown a new autonomous drone, the "StormShroud" during a visit to a defence contractor on May 2, 2025 in Bedfordshire, England.

‘The kit of the future’ - Lasers, drones and AI part of plans to get Britain back to ‘war-fighting posture’