08/02/2007
“My sincerest condolences go to the family of the young man who was killed yesterday. The whole community will share their sadness. In the last few days we’ve seen the tale of two Peckhams. One, the overwhelming majority, is hard-working decent and law abiding, but underneath, a small minority, is involved in severe criminality. The good people of Peckham will work with the police to bring those responsible to justice and to restore to Peckham its sense of itself as an optimistic and confident place.”
Southwark Police in conjunction with Southwark Council have issued the following information:
Briefing Note - the three recent murders in Peckham
Facts:
1) 03.02.07 - fatal stabbing of 21 year old male in Peckham
2) 04.02.07 – 0040 hours fatal shooting of 40 year old male at Flamborough House, Clayton Road, SE15
3) 06.02.07 at approx 00.50 - fatal shooting of Michael DOSUNMU, Date of Birth 4.2.92 – 15 years.
A link has been established between (3) the fatal shooting of Michael DOSUNMU on Tuesday 6.2.07 and (1) the fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old male on 3.2.07 in Peckham.
A man has been charged in connection with (1) the fatal stabbing and therefore, for legal reasons, we cannot discuss this link any further at the present time.
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Michael attended Archbishop Michael Ramsey School and not St. Michaels’s school as reported in the press/media.
• Michael was an innocent boy killed in tragic circumstances
• Police believe that there were two suspects who police believe were male, and who forced their way into the house. Michael was at home with his sister at the time
• Gunshots were heard and he was found with gunshot wounds, died later in hospital
• The suspects fled the house in the direction of Chandler Street
• Police are doing everything possible to investigate the circumstances and arrest those responsible
• Individuals who carry out these crimes are in the minority - most people in the community are hard working and law abiding
Malcolm Tillyer, Borough Commander, Southwark Police, said,
“Peckham is a proud and strong community and I don't believe that there's anywhere in the country where there are so many people doing so many good things to improve the lives of others”
Police appeal: Any information to 020 87334 704 or to Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
Full quote:
Malcolm Tillyer, Borough Commander, Southwark Police, said,
"Michael was an innocent boy who has been killed in cruel and tragic circumstances and my heart goes out to his family. Police are doing everything possible to investigate the circumstances of this crime and to arrest those responsible. This tragedy also has a significant impact on the local community. I would hate to think that the media will paint a picture of Peckham as an unsafe area. The reality is that levels of crime have reduced year on year. The individuals who are involved in these types of crimes are a very small minority. The vast majority of the community, young and old, are hard working and law abiding. They abhor what's going on as much as anyone. Peckham is a proud and strong community and I don't believe that there's anywhere in the country where there are so many people doing so many good things to improve the lives of others. The police, our partners and the community in Southwark Borough are determined to build on the work that is already taking place - we can always do more and we must all do more to work with those youngsters who get involved in serious criminality."