Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, have been charged with the murders of 16-year-olds Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke just a mile apart in south-east London, the Metropolitan Police said.
Another boy, aged 18, was also arrested on Friday morning on suspicion of murder.
Kearne was stabbed in Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead, while Charlie was found in Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, on Saturday.
The Metropolitan Police said a 16-year-old boy had been arrested on Tuesday and a 15-year-old boy later that day.
On Friday, police announced they have been charged with the two murders, and were due to appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court the same day.
Police later confirmed an 18-year-old was arrested on Friday morning, also on suspicion of the two murders. He remains in custody at a south London police station.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, welcomed the developments but said police still want to hear from anyone with information.
“Today is another step forward in our investigation into this shocking incident but I would reiterate my appeal to anyone who has information about the events that resulted in the deaths of Charlie and Kearne to come forward and speak to police,” she said.
The Met was called at about 5.10pm on Saturday to reports that people had been injured at the two separate locations.
Paramedics and an air ambulance were also sent to the scene, where Kearne and Charlie were found with stab wounds.
Both were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are investigating.Anyone with information that could assist can share it directly with the investigation team on this dedicated webpage.
