Murder investigation launched after woman stabbed to death in Carshalton

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman was fatally stabbed in Carshalton.

Police were called to reports of a woman found injured inside an address in Nutfield Closed at around 10:30pm on Thursday 19 December.

Officers and paramedics attended but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Metropolitan Police have named her as 42-year-old Gemma Devonish, although formal identification is yet to take place.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in the early hours of Friday 20 December and remains in custody.

According to police, he and the victim were known to each other and detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident for the time being.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila said: “Our thoughts today are with Gemma’s family and friends who are trying to come to terms with this truly tragic event. We are offering them all the support that we can.“We know that the wider community will also be impacted and I would urge anyone with concerns to please speak with local officers.“While we have made an arrest detectives continue to carry out a number of enquiries as we build a picture of the events that led to this horrific murder.“I would ask anyone who was in the area of Nutfield Close who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, particularly on Wednesday 18 or morning of Thursday 19 December, to make contact.”

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, from the South Area Command Unit responsible for policing in Sutton said: “I share the shock and concern that this terrible incident will have on the local community in Sutton. A team of specialist detectives is already making significant progress in this investigation and have swiftly arrested a man who is now in police custody.“Local residents will see an increased number of officers in and around Nutfield Close while important investigative work is carried out. I want to thank residents for their patience while this continues and would urge anyone with concerns to speak to one of them so they can assist.”

Anyone with information can call the incident room on 020 7175 2206 or via 101 quoting CAD 3012/19Dec. They can also report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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