17-year-old arrested on suspicion of murder after Sydenham stabbing

A 17-year-old boy was today questioned on suspicion of murder after a teenager was stabbed to death in south London.

Levi Ernest-Morrison, also 17, was found collapsed on the ground with a knife wound in Sydenham on Saturday evening.

The teenage suspect was arrested on Wednesday and is being held at south London police station. It came as a 36-year-old woman appeared in court charged with Levi's murder.

Detectives today launched a new appeal for anyone with information about the murder to come forward.

DCI Chris Wood said: “I am appealing to anyone with information regarding the identity and whereabouts of those involved in this murder to share what they know with my team.

“It often happens that the victim's friends or acquaintances know who is responsible. If you are one of these people, do right by your friend and contact us.”

He said if someone does not wish to speak directly to police, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers.

“Or, if you prefer, you can speak to us directly and all information will be treated in the strictest confidence,” he said.

“Whatever you decide, think of Levi and his devastated family and do the right thing.”

Police, paramedics and London Air Ambulance were called to the intersection of Hazel Grove and Sydenham Road at around 7.20pm on Saturday.

Medics fought to save Levi, but he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 8 p.m.

The teen's mother, who asked to remain anonymous, fears her autistic son may have been killed in a case of mistaken identity.

She told the Standard: “He was waiting for his friends and he didn’t realize what his friends were doing.

“He was a beautiful boy with a beautiful heart.”

Nichola Leighton, 36, from Sydenham, is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday charged with murder.

Anyone with information and wishing to speak to police should call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 6072/10APR.

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