A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found collapsed at a children’s play area in north London, and later died.
The victim - who has been named by police as 55-year-old Mark Carroll, from the local area - was discovered collapsed in St Martin’s Gardens, Camden, shortly after 1.30pm on Wednesday.
He was treated by paramedics at the former burial ground turned play area before being taken to hospital, where he later died.
Scotland Yard said it was initially suspected Mr Carroll had collapsed from a cardiac arrest, but medics later found he had a stab wound.
Officers were later told by witnesses they had seen a man making “slashing motions” towards the victim and his friend.
BREAK: Met Police is investigating the death of a man in his 60’s at St Martin’s Gardens in Camden, London.
— Oliver Whitfield-Miočić (@olivermiocic) April 11, 2024
A friend of the man says he was visiting the park yesterday afternoon.
Forensics officers now on scene. pic.twitter.com/KAAIrfyj04
A 19-year-old man was arrested nearby on suspicion of murder. He was taken into custody, where he remained on Thursday evening.
“A knife has been recovered and sent for forensic analysis,” said a Met police spokesperson.
“A post-mortem examination will be held on Friday.”
A crime scene remained in place on Thursday evening. Forensics officers were seen trawling the scene for clues as Metropolitan Police detectives and uniformed colleagues spoke to potential witnesses.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson, from the Met’s Specialist Crime unit, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have spoken to several people as part of our enquiries, however we believe there may be others who witnessed this incident, or the moments leading up to it, and I would ask them to come forward.
“This attack happened in a park, and I expect that a number of people would have been in the area.
“Were you in the vicinity of St Martin’s Gardens between 1pm and 2pm? Did you see anything? Were you approached by a man whose behaviour caused you concern?
“We are also continuing to review CCTV and would also ask anyone who has a video doorbell, or who was driving in the area with a dash cam, to please check their footage.
“It is vital that we establish what happened and recover all possible evidence.”
Superintendent Annmarie Cowley, who is responsible for policing in Camden, added: “First and foremost our thoughts are with Mark’s family and friends who have suffered an unimaginable loss.
“We know that this attack will also be of significant concern within the wider community, especially as it happened in such a public place.
“We are continuing to liaise with our partners, and you will see additional officers in the area over the coming days while we continue to investigate this tragic crime.
“I would ask that you speak with them if you have any information. It is only by working together that we can reduce violent crime, and we really need your help with this investigation.”
The site is the former Camden Town Cemetery and its wrought-iron gates are Grade II listed by Historic England.
In 1802, the land was acquired for an additional burial ground for St Martin-in-the-Fields, hence the “St Martins” lettering in metal above its entrance.
Many gravestones were cleared and removed to the perimeter, although a few remain in situ.
The gardens were restored and re-dedicated as a public garden in 1889 by the Countess of Rosebery.
In recent years, the play area has swings, spring animals and a climbing frame and is enjoyed by sunbathers.
