Two Teens Stabbed to Death in Chilling South East London Double Murder
Two 16-year-old boys, Kearnie Solanke and Charlie Bartolo, have been named as victims in a brutal double stabbing on Saturday afternoon. Bartolo was found injured on Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, while Solanke suffered stab wounds in Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead.
Police Treat Murders as Linked, Hunt Dark SUV
Detective Superintendent Richard McDonagh of the Metropolitan Police confirmed the cases are being treated as connected murders. Speaking at the Titmuss Avenue scene, he appealed for witnesses to come forward, especially anyone who saw a dark-coloured SUV or 4×4 with distinctive silver roof bars in either area in the days leading up to the killings.
“Homicide colleagues are investigating and are treating the two murders as connected,” said McDonagh. “I’m grateful to those who’ve already spoken to us. Our detectives will work tirelessly to find answers for the families and the community.”
Emergency Services Called After Reports of Stabbing
Police were alerted at around 5:10pm on Saturday after reports of injuries at both Sewell Road and Titmuss Avenue. Emergency teams found both teenage boys with stab wounds, but tragically, neither survived.
Deputy Borough Commander McDonagh expressed deep sorrow and outrage: “I join the community in being deeply saddened by these senseless murders. Our specialised officers are supporting the bereaved families.”
Community Urged to Help Prevent Further Violence
McDonagh stressed violence remains a top priority for the Met. “Days like today remind us why our work is so vital. We need the London community’s help to stop more tragedies.”
If you witnessed either stabbing or know anything about Charlie or Kearnie, contact police immediately.
At Titmuss Avenue, a forensics tent was set up and mourners, mostly teenage boys, left flowers at the cordon as the community grapples with this heartbreaking loss.
