The London Metropolitan Police said Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, was one of three people found with serious injuries following a stabbing attack on East Street Market, Southeast London
Police have named the man stabbed in the shock Walworth road attack as 77-year-old Hilkiah McLeggan.
The London Metropolitan Police said in a statement this evening that McLeggan was one of three people found with serious injuries after officers raced to attend a reported stabbing at East Street market on Sunday morning. He was pronounced dead on the scene, with two other male victims taken to hospital for treatment, where they remain. One of the two is in critical condition.
Police said that Mr McLeggan’s family members are “aware and receiving support from specialist officers” as they investigate the incident, which saw the market closed down just a few hours after it opened on November 10. They have charged one man with murder and attempted murder following the stabbing.
A spokesperson for the service said officers were called to the scene at 10.40am on Sunday to reports that several people had been “seriously assaulted”. Ali Musse, 66, of no fixed abode, has since been charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He is due to appear at Croydon Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 12 November.
Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, lead for policing in Southwark, said the service would deploy “increased policing” in the area, and thanked “brave” members of the public who assisted officers. He said: “This was a horrific incident where a man had lost his life and two other people received serious injuries. The incident has understandably caused concern amongst the local community.
“There will be an increased policing presence in the Walworth area as we work alongside our partners to provide reassurance to local people and small businesses operating in East Street. I would like to take this opportunity to thank brave members of the public who assisted police at the scene.”
“Lastly we are aware of posts circulating on social media, implying that this was a terrorist incident. Our enquiries indicate this is not the case and we ask the public not to speculate.” Police have since issued an appeal for potential witnesses to come forward, with Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell encouraging members of the public to get in contact.
She said: “Our officers have worked quickly to investigate this tragic incident and secure these charges. I would like to thank the members of the public who have assisted us so far and encourage anyone who hasn’t spoken with us, to get in contact. Anyone who has information they believe could assist police in their enquiries, or who witnessed the event, has been asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101.
People can also message the Met Police Twitter account, @MetCC, with any relevant information. Those who do so will need to quote the reference number 2690/10Nov. People who wish to provide information but remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers. Information can be provided via the charity’s website and via phone at 0800 555 111.
