21 year old Ghanaian Stabbed to Death on Lordship Lane in Haringey - North London.

A murder probe has been launched by the Metropolitan Police following the death of 21-year-old Tottenham man Thomas Oduro after he was stabbed to death on Lordship Lane in Haringey, North London. Emergency services were called to the busy road after reports of a knife assault were received. Paramedics performed extensive resuscitation but the young man was pronounced dead at the scene. News of his death has stunned the Tottenham community and Ghanaian community in the UK.

Police and London Ambulance Service paramedics rushed to Lordship Lane after members of the public reported seeing the man with serious stab wounds.

Paramedics and air ambulance trauma paramedics fought desperately to save the 21-year-old man’s life on the pavement for several minutes. Unfortunately the extent of his injuries was too great and he died at the scene. His family and friends were left heartbroken.

Detectors from the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command have now taken over the investigation with a scene of crime operation set up around parts of Lordship Lane. Scene of crime officers wearing white suits pored over the area in an effort to find evidence from the pavement, local shops and alley ways throughout the evening on Friday and early hours of Saturday. Buses were diverted around the area whilst officers conducted their investigations.

Thomas’ family have been notified and are being supported by specialist family liaison officers. Those close to him described the 21-year-old as a kind, hard-working and intelligent young man. Tributes have started pouring in with flowers, cards and candles placed around the scene of crime.

Investigations are underway with detectives looking at CCTV footage from local businesses, homes and buses travelling along Lordship Lane. Police want to piece together exactly what happened and why the victim was attacked. They are trying to understand if he was targeted or if it was an incident. Police said they are at an early stage of the investigation and are following up various lines of enquiry.

Local community leaders, youth advocates and Haringey council have expressed their sadness at another young man losing his life due to knife crime. Many in the area have expressed their frustration at continued weapon crime on busy high streets in North London. More visible policing and ongoing youth initiatives are needed, they said. Local churches and Ghanaian groups in Tottenham have also come together to provide support and prayers for the family.

Senior detectives involved in the case have appealed to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to drivers who may have been on Lordship Lane around the time of the incident on Friday. This could include valuable dash cam footage. They said that any detail could help identify those responsible.

Haringey Borough Police have announced they will be increasing their visible policing around Tottenham and local areas over the weekend to make local residents feel reassured. Section 60 stop and search powers are also being looked at by senior officers to prevent any further incidents of retaliation. Police leaders have said they are determined to bring those responsible to justice.

No arrests have been made so far on Sunday morning but detectives said they are following up strong lines of enquiry. A post mortem will also be carried out in the coming days.

Thomas’ death comes as concerns continue to grow nationally about knife crime affecting young people in London. Anti-knife crime campaigners are calling for tighter enforcement on illegal weapons and ongoing support for vulnerable young people in inner city boroughs.

The Oduro family are devastated and the Tottenham community are focusing on bringing justice to the promising 21-year-old. Community vigils are likely to be organised in the coming days.

If you have any information, dash cam or mobile phone footage please contact the Metropolitan Police incident room or report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.