Two Jailed Over Brutal Croydon Stabbing That Left 18-Year-Old Fighting for Life
Two men have been locked up after a vicious summer attack in Croydon left an 18-year-old stabbed multiple times. The chilling assault unfolded in broad daylight last year, with footage and DNA evidence sealing the fate of the culprits.
11 Years for Lewis West, Nearly 7 for Mason Bird
At Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, 5 February, Lewis West, 18, from Ealing, copped 11-and-a-half years for section 18 wounding. Alongside this, he got three years for violent disorder and 14 months for possession of an offensive weapon, all served at once.
Mason Bird, 20, from Croydon, was sentenced to six years and nine months for the same stabbing offence, plus three years for violent disorder and 14 months for carrying an offensive weapon, also served concurrently.
Knife and Sword Used in Daylight Ambush
On 11 July 2019, West and Bird teamed up with 19-year-old Kye Manning—who tragically died during the incident—to hunt down their victim. Armed with two large knives and a sword, the trio booked a taxi to Brighton Road, tracked down the 18-year-old, and launched their savage attack.
The victim was stabbed four times and tried to flee but was chased by the attackers. Manning himself was fatally stabbed and collapsed on the scene, dying at around 9.50pm despite paramedics’ efforts.
CCTV and DNA Led Police to the Attackers
Bird was arrested shortly after the attack when he returned to the scene with his mother. West tried to go under the radar by cutting his long hair but was caught hiding at his cousin’s house on 1 August.
The victim managed to escape and get help, eventually recovering in hospital. DNA on the knife’s handle matched West, while threatening Snapchat videos showed the pair planning violence on their target.
Detective Chief Inspector John Massey said: “It remains unclear why West and Bird set out to attack their victim, but there was clearly a personal dispute between the parties. This was a premeditated and brutal attack in broad daylight, witnessed by the public. When their friend was fatally stabbed, they left him to die rather than help. The events that night highlight the severe dangers of carrying knives. We urge anyone with information to report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
