Stabbing victim was 'caring and smart man'

A man who was killed in a stabbing in south London was "a caring, smart young man with a good sense of humour and his whole future ahead of him", his family has said.

Lorik Abazi, 22, from Croydon, was found with stab wounds on the Valley Retail Park on Hesterman Way, Croydon, at about 01:15 GMT on Sunday and died in hospital.

Two women, both aged 25, and a 28-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday afternoon. One of the women has been released on bail.

In a statement, the family said: "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," they added.

Two men, both aged 21, were also found with stab injuries and have been arrested on suspicion of affray.

One has potentially life-threatening injuries and remains in hospital. The other has been taken into police custody after being discharged from hospital.

Two other women, aged 21 and 22, were also arrested on suspicion of affray. The 21-year-old has been bailed while inquires continue, and the 22-year-old remains in police custody.

This brings the total number of people arrested in connection to this incident to seven.

Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn said: "My thoughts are with Lorik's family and loved ones, who have suffered an unimaginable loss.

"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."

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