The family said a ‘light has gone’ from their lives
The ‘smart young man’ stabbed to death in Croydon over the weekend has been named and pictured for the first time. Lorik Abazi, 22, from Croydon, died in hospital on Sunday (February 15) after being stabbed at about 1.15am on Hesterman Way.
Two women, both 25, and a 28-year-old man, were arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday afternoon and are in custody. One of the women has been bailed.
Two men, both 21, were also arrested on suspicion of affray. One has potentially life-threatening injuries and is in hospital. The other has been taken into custody after being discharged from hospital.
Two other women, aged 21 and 22, were also arrested on suspicion of affray. The 21-year-old woman was bailed and the 22-year-old is in custody.
Seven people in total have been arrested after Lorik’s death.
‘A light has gone from our lives’
In a tribute, Lorik’s family said: “Lorik was a caring, smart young man with a good sense of humour and his whole future ahead of him. We, his parents, brother, girlfriend, grandparents and extended family and friends loved him very much.
“A light has gone out in our lives, and we are devastated beyond words by his loss. We kindly ask for privacy at this time.”
Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn said: “My thoughts are with Lorik’s family and loved ones, who have suffered an unimaginable loss. Detectives are working around-the-clock to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
“I want to appeal to anyone with knowledge of what happened or who has footage that could help our detectives to share it with the police.
“I know a tragic incident like this will concern people locally. We believe this to have been an isolated incident and I hope the fact we have a number of suspects in custody provides some reassurance to people in Croydon. We have increased patrols in the local area and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to my officers.”
Anyone with any information with any information is asked to call 101 quoting ref CAD511/15Feb. They can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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