Thornton Heath: Man stabbed to death by gang who drove off in his £13,000 Vauxhall SUV

Michael Peixoto’s Vauxhall Grand X Elite is yet to be recovered
Michael Peixoto, 27, was attacked on Mayfield Crescent, Thornton Heath
Metropolitan Police
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

A young man has been stabbed to death in south London by a gang who drove off in his £13,000 SUV, detectives said.

Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto, 27, was attacked on Mayfield Crescent, Thornton Heath at about 10.30pm on Tuesday.

The group of men then fled in a grey Vauxhall Grand X Elite - registration DL19LVS - that Mr Peixoto had been travelling in. The vehicle is yet to be recovered.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command, 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.”

Officers attended with paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance who treated Mr Peixoto at the scene.

Mr Peixoto’s Vauxhall is missing
Metropolitan Police

But despite the efforts of emergency services to save him, he sadly died.

Mr Peixoto’s death is the 11th murder in Croydon in 2023 - the highest number of any borough and a tenth of capital’s total homicides.

A post-mortem examination took place on Thursday confirmed cause of death as a stab wound. Formal identification has taken place and Mr Peixoto’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, added: “I know that local people will be concerned by this incident, particularly as it took place on a residential street.

“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.

“I would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while our Specialist Crime colleagues have conducted their enquiries.

“You will continue notice a more visible police presence in the area and I urge anyone with information or concerns to approach officers and speak with them.”

Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry said Mr Peixoto suffered “significant stab wounds”, adding: “I am deeply saddened by this tragic incident and send my heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and friends as well as to all those in the local area who are affected by such terrible news.

“Croydon stands united against violence of all types.

“I know that the residents of Thornton Heath will come together to offer their support to anyone who needs it at such a difficult time, and especially coming so close to the Christmas period.”

Anthony King, a youth worker from the My Ends project, told the Standard last week: “Knife crime is out of hand. The stabbings have been frightening. It has to stop. But young people are carrying a lot of knives.”

Mr King said local police and the community were “doing excellent work” but there was a lack of family and youth services.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or 'X' @MetCC ref CAD 7509/19 Dec or they can provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in