Boy, 14, charged with murder of 17-year-old in London

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 17-year-old Jamal Coombes, who was stabbed in south west London in the early hours of Saturday.

The boy from Wandsworth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with murder and possession of a bladed article this morning, and appeared at Highbury Corner Youth Court.

Police were called at around 4.20am on Saturday (June 20) to reports of a stabbing on Glycena Road, Battersea, where three young individuals were arrested.

Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance, and found Jamal Coombes with serious injuries.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the 17-year-old was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A boy and girl, both aged 15, were arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene, and have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

A fourth suspect, a boy aged 15, was also arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday, and remains in police custody.

The family of the victim continue to be supported by specialist officers, according to the force.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, senior investigating officer leading the inquiry for the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: "Our thoughts remain firmly with Jamal’s loved ones following his tragic death.

"I understand the impact this incident has had on the local community.

"If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak with one of our officers on patrol in the area this week.

"As our enquiries continue, I am appealing directly to the public.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Toddler, 3, in stable condition after being 'thrown' into crocodile enclosure
• Ex-DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson found guilty of raping a child and 17 other sex offences
• Asylum seeker who tried to rape woman in alleyway denies he did it due to his 'micropenis'

"We believe that there was an altercation prior to the assault, so if you were in the Lavender Hill area between 3.30am and 5am, specifically Glycena Road, Acanthus Road or Pountney Road, and witnessed a group of men running, please come forward."

DCI Howie continued: "Any information, no matter how minor it may seem, could prove crucial. CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage may provide vital evidence.

"I would also urge members of the public not to assume that information has already been shared, any detail could be of significant importance to the investigation."

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 1567/20JUN26.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter