Teen Stabbed to Death in Stevenage Woodland – Police Appeal for Witnesses
Bereket Selomun, 20, Fatally Stabbed Near Fairlands Valley Park
Tragedy struck Stevenage early on Thursday (7 July) when 20-year-old Bereket Selomun was found dead in woodland off Brittain Way, near Fairlands Valley Park. It was just before 7.30am when emergency services arrived to discover Bereket had suffered multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Asylum Seeker from Eritrea – Family Devastated
Bereket, originally from Eritrea, came to England as a teenager and was granted asylum. He lived permanently in Stevenage. His next of kin in the UK have been informed and are receiving specialist support. His family back in Eritrea have also been notified of the heartbreaking news.
Detective Inspector Iain MacPherson from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) Major Crime Unit said:
“Though we are investigating several lines of inquiry, the motive behind this brutal attack remains unclear. I am confident the answers lie within the young Eritrean community Bereket was part of.”
Police Launch ‘Operation Madrigal’ – Call for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the murder or those who may know the culprit to come forward. To report, use the phrase “Operation Madrigal”:
- Online reporting form: 123
Stevenage Police Crack Down on Knife Crime
Chief Inspector Graeme Walsingham addressed Stevenage residents:
“We take knife crime extremely seriously. Our teams are working tirelessly — making arrests, conducting stop-and-searches, and targeting perpetrators.”
He also highlighted Operation EDUC8, a prevention programme delivering hard-hitting presentations to Year 7 and 8 students across all Stevenage schools. Topics covered include knife and gang crime, with plans to make this an annual effort. Officers also engage with primary schools on personal safety and collaborate with local initiatives like the ‘No More’ project, aimed at steering at-risk kids away from crime.
“We act on community tips and are grateful for local support in keeping our streets safe,” added Chief Inspector Walsingham.
