A shocking incident in Stoke Park, Guildford has resulted in the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy. Surrey Police have launched a murder investigation following the stabbing, which occurred on Monday evening around 6:10 pm.
Emergency services were called to the woodland area off Lido Road, where they found the young victim. Despite the efforts of the South East Coast Ambulance Service, the boy sadly passed away at the scene. His family has been informed, but no arrests have been made so far.
Det Supt Andy Jenkins, the senior investigating officer, expressed his deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends, acknowledging the profound impact of this “desperately sad” incident on the local community. He reassured residents that the police are working tirelessly to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and police are urgently appealing for anyone with information that could assist their enquiries to come forward. Local residents, such as Rosie Spence and Leslie Myles, expressed their shock and disbelief, with Myles describing the situation as “horrendous and very frightening.”
Guildford MP Zoe Franklin expressed her devastation at the loss of a life so young, while Martin Coser, the founder of the anti-knife crime campaign Charlie’s Promise, offered his condolences to the victim’s loved ones.
In response to the incident, St John’s Church in Guildford has opened its doors to the community, offering a place to “light a candle for peace” from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm and from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
A significant police presence will remain in the area for some time, with the Peacock Wood, Wild Wood Adventure Centre, and nearby car park currently cordoned off. However, access to the indoor and outdoor bowling clubs, Guilden Village student accommodation, and Stoke Park will still be available, and the A25 (Parkway) will not be affected.
This tragic event has undoubtedly shaken the Guildford community, and the police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
