A murder investigation has been launched after a man was found dead in Kendor Gardens in Morden this morning.
The man in his twenties, who has not yet been identified, was found with stab wounds in Kendor Gardens, Kenley Road, Morden just after 8am.
Paramedics from London Air Ambulance and the London Ambulance Service fought to save the man, below, but he was pronounced dead this morning.
Paramedics in Kendor Gardens this morning. Picture: Chris Stone
It is one of two stabbings today.
23 year-old stabbed in the buttocks in Mitcham now in hospital
A man was arrested on suspicion of wasting police time and then arrested on suspicion of murder. He was in custody at a south London police station this morning.
Emergency services, including the air ambulance, were seen in the park, while police closed the entrance.
A neighbour told the Evening Standard three people tried to save the man, who was said to be smartly dressed.
The air ambulance above Kendor Gardens
Sylvia Rooney, who was at the park shortly afterwards, said she was told by police that a man in his twenties had life-threatening injuries.
A police officer stands guard this morning
A short time later, the Met said they were looking for information and witnesses after the death of a man.
His next of kin have yet to be informed and a post-mortem examination and formal identification was due to be scheduled.
Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating.
Chris Stone, 43, a gardener who lives in Sandbourne Avenue parallel to Kendor Gardens, Morden, said: "I got woken up at just gone 8am this morning by a helicopter landing just behind the house.
“The police came and questioned us and asked if we heard anything.
“There are often a lot of guys hanging out the other side of the park in the dark. I can’t see them, but they sound like guys.
“It just happens nowadays. People carry around knives. It is youths.
“I’m lucky enough to have grown up in slightly less painful times.
“It will have been people who knew each other.
“It’s just one of those things. It can happen anywhere, so why worry?”
Florin Mortun, 39, of Harland Close directly next to the park said: "There are always people drinking and drug taking in the park.
"At first I thought the police were here because someone was drinking or had been sleeping in the park, but the police told me it was a different thing.
Police tape in Dorset Road
"The police told me it was a headteacher on his way home from school going across the park. It happened last night and someone found him this morning.
"It's an unusual thing to happen here. Sometimes young people drink or take drugs, but it's safe"
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Reid said: "The stabbing occurred during the rush hour period and there would have been a number of people in the vicinity making their way to the train station.
"I am appealing for anyone who may have seen the stabbing or the events leading up to the incident to get in contact with us."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Serious incident being dealt with in Morden at Kendor Gardens,Kenley Road at about 0800hrs did you see anything? Call 101. 56VW @metpoliceuk
— Merton MPS (@MPSMerton) January 19, 2016
More to follow
Know more? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6337 or email pippa.allen@newsquest.co.uk
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