Shock as Two 16-Year-Old Boys Found Murdered in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead
The Tragic Discoveries
Two teenage boys have been named after a double stabbing that has rocked south-east London. Kearnie Solanke and Charlie Bartolo, both just 16, were found fatally wounded on Saturday afternoon.
Bartolo was discovered in Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, while Solanke was found with stab wounds in Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead.
Police Link The Murders, Hunt Dark SUV
Detective Superintendent Richard McDonagh of the Metropolitan Police confirmed the killings are being treated as connected. “Homicide colleagues are investigating and treating the two murders as linked,” he said at the Titmuss Avenue scene.
Officers are especially keen to hear from anyone who spotted a dark-coloured SUV or 4×4 with distinctive silver roof bars in the days leading up to the attacks around Sewell Road or Titmuss Avenue.
Police Appeal for Witnesses and Community Support
“I’m appreciative to the witnesses who have already spoken to us. Talented detectives will work tirelessly to find out what happened and give answers to the families,” McDonagh added.
Emergency services were called around 5:10pm on Saturday following reports of injuries at both locations.
Despite their swift response, both boys tragically died from their stab wounds.
Met Police Condemn Violence, Promise Support to Families
McDonagh said, “I join the community in being deeply saddened and outraged by these senseless murders. The bereaved families are receiving support from specialised officers.”
He stressed the Met’s commitment to tackling violence. Days like today remind us all just how vital our work is and why we need the London community to work with us to prevent further tragedies.
The public is urged to come forward with any information about the attacks or about Charlie and Kearnie to help police piece together what happened.
Community Mourns
A forensic tent was still up at the Titmuss Avenue cordon as local teenagers left flowers in tribute to the victims.
