One man is stabbed to death and NINE more are injured

One man has died and at least nine others have been injured following a spate of stabbings in south London last night. 

Two men were arrested after police were called to five separate reports of stabbings in Croydon between 6.56pm and 9.12pm on Friday. 

One man reported to have been injured on Wisbeach Road was found dead at the scene, with two others left with life-threatening injuries following the violence. 

There is no information to suggest the incidents are linked, the Metropolitan Police said.

The night of violence began at 6.56pm in Croydon, with five separate reports of stabbings received between then and 9.12pm. Pictured: Police at the scene

Pictured: How the violence unfolded in Croydon, south London on Friday night

A Section 60 order granting police emergency stop and search powers was in place across Croydon until 8am on Saturday. 

The bloodshed began at around 7pm, when officers were called to Chapman Road and a man was rushed to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Then, 15 minutes later, four men in their 20s were taken to a south London hospital with stab injuries, with one of them understood to be in a life-threatening condition. 

Pictured: A cordon is in place near a flat in Wisbeach Road after a man was killed in Croydon

Police rushed to the scene to reports  of two males with stab injuries, and one man was pronounced dead at the scene

One of two men reported to have been injured at a property was found dead at the scene, with two others left with threatening injuries overnight. Pictured: Police at the scene

The violence continued at 8.08pm, when police were again called to reports of two men with stab injuries. 

One of the men was rushed to hospital before officers arrived, and another was found at the scene but later died.

At 8.51pm, two men were taken to hospital with stab injuries and one was last night in a life-threatening condition.   

The final call was received at 9.12pm, when police arrested a man on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. 

The victim, whose injuries are not believed to be life threatening, was also arrested. 

Detective Superintendent Nicky Arrowsmith said: ‘Sadly, tonight we have seen a number of needless and completely abhorrent violent altercations, including one that has tragically resulted in a loss of life.

‘Officers will be on patrol throughout the night across the South Area Command Unit, with additional resources from the Violent Crime Taskforce and Territorial Support Group deployed to deter and prevent any further violence.’

Police asked anyone with information that could help officers investigating these incidents to make contact.

Det Sup Arrowsmith added: ‘Our officers continue to work around the clock to identify and pursue offenders, bring perpetrators to justice, support victims, take weapons off the street, engage and reassure the public, and keep our communities safe in London.

‘But we are not complacent and cannot do this alone. 

‘We work closely with our communities as they are key to understanding and knowing what is occurring locally.

‘We need to hear from anyone who has information about crime, those who carry a weapon, or those who exploit others for gain or revenge, while putting young people’s lives at risk – we need this information to help keep London safe.’ 

Steve Reed, Labour MP for Croydon North, said: ‘Absolutely horrific news that will devastate our community – thoughts with all those injured, and with the police and medical staff dealing with the situation.’ 

A section 60 order granting police emergency stop and search powers was in place across Croydon until 8am on Saturday. Pictured: Police at the scene of a stabbing