Southwark councillors have described the murder of a teenager in a “loving community” as a “tragic loss”.

Donnell Rhule was stabbed to death on the Kingwood Estate in Dulwich on Wednesday (July 8).

The 18-year-old, from south-east London, was found in Seeley Drive just after 6.30pm

Emergency services were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene 30 minutes later.  

Dulwich Wood ward Councillor Andy Simmons, who was on a call with the tenants and residents association at the time, said he was “heartbroken” to hear the news.  

“Heartbroken to learn of the loss of a young man’s life following a stabbing on the Kingswood Estate last night whilst on a virtual call with the TRA.  

“Residents I spoke to when I visited the estate last night were completely devastated.  

“My thoughts are with his friends and family,” he said.  

Ward Cllr Catherine Ward said her “love goes out” to the victim’s mother.  

“Distressed to be in a virtual TRA call as a young man lost his life on the Kingswood Estate.  

“My love goes out to his mother. Thanks to Dulwich Wood Police, Andy Simmons, and Helen Hayes who visited last night.  

“Tragic loss within this loving, resilient community, the heart of our ward,” she said.  

Dulwich and West Norwood MP Helen Hayes urged people to contact Crimestoppers if they had any information.  

“Devastated that a young man was murdered on Kingswood Estate today, my thoughts with his family and friends.  

“I spoke with residents at the scene tonight, so shocked and sad that this has happened in a very close community,” she said.  

Police are appealing for information and witnesses in the wake of the murder.  

DCI Rob Pack, senior investigating officer, said: “I would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the stabbing or who saw anyone leaving the scene.  

“This is a generally quiet area, so I am certain that a number of people will have seen or heard something significant. 

“I am also appealing to trace the driver of a blue Renault hatchback, possibly used as an Uber or other private hire vehicle, which picked up a passenger in Seeley Drive at around 6.30pm.” 

Ch Supt Colin Wingrove, commander of the Met’s central south command Unit, said: “I am saddened to hear of this tragic murder and our thoughts are with Donnell’s family, friends and the wider community.  

“We are committed to bringing them the justice they deserve and we are supporting the specialist crime command who lead the investigation. 

“Our local safer neighbourhood officers will provide an increased policing presence in the coming days to provide reassurance and support.  

“I urge anyone with any information about the events leading to this tragic loss of life to come forward and tell us.”