Twickenham stabbing: Teen attacked on London playing field named as Hazrat Wali

Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of Hazrat Wali who was stabbed to death on a playing field in south-west London. Issue date: Wednesday October 13, 2021.
Hazrat Wali was stabbed to death on a playing field Credit: Met Police

A teenager who was stabbed to death on a playing field in south-west London has been named as 18-year-old Hazrat Wali.

The Metropolitan Police said the teenager, of Notting Hill, west London, died in hospital on Tuesday after being fatally attacked in Craneford Way, Twickenham.

Officers are examining CCTV and the force said witnesses have described seeing a fight at the field in the moments before the teenager was stabbed.

Police car and forensic tents at the scene on a playing field in Craneford Way, Twickenham

Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “We are still working to establish the motive behind this tragic attack and are following a number of leads.

“Officers have recovered CCTV from the area and spoken to a number of witnesses who described seeing a fight in the moments before Hazrat was attacked.

“We know a lot of people were on the field at the time and I’d urge anyone who has not yet spoken to police to contact us immediately.”

Police tape blocks the entrance to the playing field in Twickenham

The teenager was attacked at around 4.45pm on Tuesday and died in hospital around an hour later.

His family are being supported by specially trained officers, the Met said.

The scene of the attack is yards from Richmond upon Thames College, which confirmed on Wednesday that the victim was one of its students.

The college’s principal, Dr Jason Jones, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our students, parents, staff and local community.”