Seven Kings murder victims involved in “ongoing dispute” with killers

Two men have been arrested

Police say the three men who were stabbed to death in Seven Kings last night had been involved in an altercation with their killers the previous day.

The dispute happened at Krystel Banqueting, around 500 metres from where the victims were killed.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Considine, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are still in the early stages of this investigation but are working tirelessly to understand the full circumstances that led to three men losing their lives.

“We now believe all those involved were known to each other and from the Sikh and Hindu community, however we are still in the process of identifying the men and working to inform their next of kin.

“At this early stage, I do not believe this was gang or race-related. But, I believe there may have been an ongoing dispute between those involved. We believe the five men were involved in an altercation the previous evening at Krystel Banqueting that spilled out onto the High Road.

“I would encourage anyone in the local communities who knows what the motivation for this attack was, or to anyone who may have seen an altercation late on Saturday evening at Krystel Banqueting, or the incident itself on Salisbury Road, to contact us and tell us what they know.”

The three victims were found with serious stab injuries in the Salisbury Road and Elmstead Road area at around 7.40pm yesterday (Sunday, 19 January).

All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

They are believed to be aged in their late 20s and early 30s.

Two men, aged 29 and 39, were arrested on suspicion of murder, and remain in police custody.

A number of crime scenes remain in place in Seven Kings, however investigators are working to remove these as soon as possible.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman, commander of the Met’s East Area BCU, said: “Residents in and around the Seven Kings area will see extra officers on patrol; if you have any concerns, or information that could assist the investigation, please stop and speak to them.

“We are working closely with our partners and members of the community to reassure them that we are fully investigating this incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Met Police incident room on 020 8345 3865 or stay anonymous by contacting the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.