Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto, who was 27, died after being attacked and stabbed by a group of men in Mayfield Crescent, Thornton Heath at around 22:30hrs on Tuesday, 19 December.
After the attack, the suspects drove off in the car Michael had been travelling in, a grey Vauxhall Grand X Elite – registration DL19LVS – which has yet to be recovered.
Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command leads the investigation and said:
“This was a violent attack which has caused devastation to Michael’s family and friends. While my team continues to work hard to establish the motive behind this attack, it does not appear that the theft of the car was the reason.
“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and saw the events unfold, and has yet to speak to police, to come forward. Also, if anyone can assist us in locating Michael’s vehicle or identifying those responsible for this barbaric attack, then I would urge you to get in touch.”
A post-mortem examination took place on Thursday, 21 December and confirmed cause of death as a stab wound. Formal identification has taken place and Michael’s family continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
There have been no arrests and enquiries into the circumstances continue.
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, responsible for policing in Croydon, said:
““I know that local people will be concerned by this incident, particularly as it took place on a residential street.
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“I would like to reassure those who live in Mayfield Crescent that the location of this incident was purely incidental. There does not appear to be any connection or threat to anyone living in the immediate area.
