Man stabbed to death in Croydon retail park named and pictured

A ‘caring and smart’ 22-year-old man found stabbed to death outside Ikea has been named and pictured.

Lorik Abazi was one of three men found stabbed on Hesterman Way, Croydon, at 1.15am on Sunday.

Seven people in total have been arrested in connection with the incident.

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.’

Two women, both aged 25, and a 28-year-old man, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The two men, both aged 21, taken to hospital have been arrested on suspicion of affray.

One has potentially life-changing injuries while the other has since been discharged and taken into police custody.

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

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.’

The stabbing took place within Croydon’s retail park, which contains several shops including Ikea, Boots, Sports Direct and Dunelm, as well as a McDonald’s and a cinema.

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