Residents in Kidbrooke say they no longer feel safe following the discovery of a young woman’s body near a local community centre.
The woman, believed to be in her 20s, was found outside Onespace Community Centre in Cator Park on Saturday (September 18) at around 5.30pm.
A murder investigation has been launched and a police cordon remains in place around most of the surrounding area.
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Eva, 38, and Todor, 40, have lived in the area with their two young children since 2017 and say the incident has shaken them.
Eva, who works from home and visits the park often, told My London: “This is the first incident like this I’ve seen here. That’s why I’m surprised because I thought this was a safe area.
Flowers left in tribute to the woman who was found dead on Saturday
(Image: My London)
“That’s why we came here with our children. I used to live in Canning Town and it’s crazy there.
“I saw the news today and I wasn’t quite sure it was this area.
“I thought this was a safe area but it’s not safe anymore.
“I’m not going to go through the park again.”
Todor, who works in a kitchen, said: “I suppose the question is, what is safety?
“Because if I walk through the park alone at night I will be okay but if I were a beautiful girl, then I maybe won’t.”
The police cordon encompasses most of the park
(Image: My London)
Andy, unemployed, and Trish, a teacher, live in the block of flats metres away from the crime scene.
Trish, 33, said: “We didn’t know about the incident until we walked around and saw the cordon.
“Kidbrooke is a developing area so it is quite shocking, but I guess it goes to show it can happen anywhere.”
Andy, also 33, said: “This must be the first incident like this I’ve seen here.
“I’m from Croydon and Croydon is scummy, but when I walk around here I find it really nice – there are no headaches.”
Flowers have been left by residents in tribute to the woman, who has not yet been named by police.
Officers confirmed one man has been arrested and is currently in custody at a police station in South London.
Anyone with information that may help with the investigation is urged to call the Metropolitan Police on 101.
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In their latest update, a Met spokesperson said: “Police were called at 5.32pm on Saturday, September 18 after a body was discovered near a community centre in Kidbrooke Park Road.
“Officers believe they know the identity of the woman, who is aged in her 20s, but they await formal identification and confirmation that next of kin have been informed.
“A post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.
“At around 9.20pm on 18 September, police attended an address in Lewisham and arrested a man on suspicion of murder. He has been taken into custody at a South London police station.
“A number of crime scenes are in place and enquiries are ongoing.”
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