A 23-year-old man named John Temitope Onetufo Stabbed to Death in Lewisham was fatally stabbed in the chest in Grove Street, Lewisham, on New Year’s Eve, prompting a murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police that has now resulted in the arrest of a 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man.
Police were called to Grove Street near Rotherhithe in the Lewisham borough at around 12:35pm on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, where they found John Temitope Onetufo, 23, from Deptford, suffering from a stab wound to the chest; despite attendance by the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Fatal Stabbing Prompts Immediate Murder Inquiry
Officers launched a murder investigation following reports of the stabbing in Grove Street, a residential area near Rotherhithe in southeast London, where the victim was discovered slumped on the ground. According to Sky News, the Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident occurred at roughly 12:35pm on New Year’s Eve, with emergency services unable to save the young man’s life despite rapid response efforts. The crime scene was established immediately and remains in place as enquiries continue, Sky News reported.
As reported by Detective Chief Inspector Sam Townsend for Metropolitan Police, “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victim’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. Our investigation is progressing swiftly as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.”
Arrests Mark Significant Breakthrough in Investigation
Two suspects—a 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man—were arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday, 2 January 2026, and remain in custody, as announced by the Metropolitan Police. According to the Metropolitan Police news release, detectives had worked relentlessly over recent days to pursue every line of enquiry leading to these arrests in connection with the death of John Temitope Onetufo. The victim’s family continues to receive support from specialist family liaison officers, the police stated.
Police Detail Progress and Community Reassurance
Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, leading the investigation, emphasised the significance of the development in a statement to the Metropolitan Police, saying: “My team has worked relentlessly over recent days to pursue every line of enquiry, and I can confirm that two arrests have now been made in connection with this tragic incident. This is a significant development, but our investigation remains ongoing as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened.” She added: “I want to extend my deepest sympathies to John’s family and friends. We remain committed to finding answers and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.” According to Sky News, increased patrols have been deployed in the local area to address community concerns following the incident.
Broader Context of Knife Crime in London
The fatal stabbing occurs amid ongoing concerns over knife crime in the capital, though specific statistics related to this incident were not detailed in immediate reports. According to Sky News, Detective Chief Inspector Sam Townsend noted that the event would understandably cause concern within the local community, with police assuring residents of their heightened presence. The Metropolitan Police has appealed for witnesses, urging anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting CAD2852/31Dec, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555, as stated in their official release. An online portal has also been made available for submitting images or footage, the police confirmed.
The Metropolitan Police investigation into the murder of John Temitope Onetufo in Lewisham continues, with two suspects in custody and a crime scene secured at Grove Street, as enquiries seek to fully establish the circumstances of the New Year’s Eve stabbing reported across multiple outlets including Sky News and official police statements.
