Two More Teens Arrested Over Fatal Greenwich Stabbings
Detectives probing the shocking murders of 16-year-olds Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke in Greenwich have made two fresh arrests. A 16-year-old boy was nabbed early Tuesday morning, 29 November, followed by a 15-year-old taken in during the evening. Both face suspicion for the double stabbing and remain in custody.
Earlier, a 16-year-old arrested on Sunday, 27 November, was bailed pending further inquiries and is due back at a south London police station in February 2023.
Investigation Ramps Up as Police Seek Public Help
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said:
“My officers are working around the clock to establish the circumstances of these senseless murders and find those responsible.
We remain in close contact with the families of Kearne and Charlie and are keeping them updated as the investigation progresses. We are chasing multiple lines of enquiry and keeping an open mind on any possible motive.
We’ve set up a public tip-off facility so people can send information directly to the investigation team for quick review. The arrests are a positive step, but we continue working to understand what happened on Saturday evening.
I’m grateful for information already received – it’s vital we get the public’s help to solve these tragedies. If you witnessed anything, especially in the area that night, please come forward. If you don’t feel confident speaking to police, you can provide anonymous tips via Crimestoppers.
We also appeal for witnesses who saw a black Nissan Qashqai with silver roof bars near Sewell Road or Titmuss Avenue before the murders. We have the vehicle but want to hear from anyone who might have seen it driving locally. Your info could bring justice for Charlie and Kearne.”
The Fatal Night: Two Stabbings One Mile Apart
Police were called on Saturday, 26 November, around 5:10pm after reports of two stabbing victims at separate locations — Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, and Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead. Emergency services including London’s Air Ambulance rushed to the scenes.
At Sewell Road, officers found Charlie Bartolo with fatal stab wounds. Kearne Solanke was discovered similarly injured at Titmuss Avenue. Despite all efforts, both boys tragically died. Their families are receiving specialist support and privacy is requested during this brutal time.
Police Plea to Community Amidst Anger and Grief
Detective Superintendent Richard McDonagh of the South East Command Unit expressed his deep sorrow:
“We are devastated by these senseless murders. My thoughts go out to the families, friends, and the local community in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead who are rightly shocked and appalled.
Our skilled detectives will work relentlessly to uncover the truth and find those responsible to deliver answers for the victims’ families.
Tackling violence remains a top priority for the Met. Incidents like this remind us why community cooperation is crucial to prevent such tragedies.”
How to Help the Investigation
- Share information directly on the dedicated police webpage.
- Call 101 and quote reference 4943/26NOV.
- Give anonymous tips to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Detectives urge anyone with details, no matter how small, to come forward and help bring justice for Charlie and Kearne.
