Young Man, 22, Fatally Stabbed In Croydon Seven Arrested After Dawn Attack

A 22-year-old man has been identified as the victim of a fatal stabbing in Croydon that left two others injured and triggered a large-scale murder investigation resulting in seven arrests.
Lorik Abazi, from Croydon, died in hospital following a violent incident on Hesterman Way in the early hours of Sunday morning. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 1:15am on 15 February, where paramedics from the London Ambulance Service found three men with stab wounds. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Lorik could not be saved.
His family, who are being supported by specialist officers, described him as someone full of promise. “Lorik was a caring, smart young man with a good sense of humour and his whole future ahead of him,” they said in a tribute. “A light has gone out in our lives, and we are devastated beyond words by his loss.” The family have asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.
Seven people in total have now been arrested in connection with the incident. Three individuals — two women aged 25 and a 28-year-old man — were detained on suspicion of murder on the afternoon of the same day. One of those women has since been released on bail, while the others remain in custody.
A further four people were arrested on suspicion of affray. Two men, both aged 21, were among those detained — one of whom remains in hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries, while the other has been taken into custody following his discharge. Two women, aged 21 and 22, were also arrested on suspicion of affray. The 21-year-old has been bailed and the 22-year-old remains in police custody.
Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn said detectives are working around the clock and called on the public to come forward with anything that could assist the investigation. He described the incident as isolated and said additional patrols have been deployed in the area to reassure local residents.
Police are now urging anyone who was in the area and may have captured footage on CCTV or dash cam to submit it through the Major Incident Public Portal. Those with information can also call 101 quoting reference CAD511/15Feb, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The investigation remains ongoing.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​