Police have named the victim of the Peckham Rye Park killing as 29-year-old Kalabe Legesse.
The Met Police has said Kalabe was “sitting in the park minding, his own business” when he was stabbed in the heart on Friday evening (December 30).
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information as they trace two suspects, who fled the scene towards Peckham Rye on pedal bikes after the “brutal and senseless attack”.
Murder investigation: Detectives appeal for help from Peckham Rye Park users
Officers were called to the scene at 8.24pm where they found him in the park, close to the cafe off Strakers Road, suffering a fatal stab wound.
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Kalabe’s family and friends have been left devastated by his death, which occurred after a brutal and senseless attack when he was simply sitting in the park, minding his own business.
“We have been working tirelessly to identify those responsible and are keen to hear from anyone who was in or around the park, particularly in the area near the café and playground, at about 20:00hrs.
“At this early stage in the investigation we believe we are looking for 2 suspects riding pedal bikes, who fled the scene towards Peckham Rye.”
A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be a hemorrhage caused by the chest wound.
His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information about what happened, is asked to call 101 with referencing 6165/30DEC. Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.