Teen arrested on suspicion of murder after man, 55, stabbed in children’s park

Mark Carroll was discovered lying in the middle of the park that was once a cemetery (Picture: Metropolitan Police)

A man, 55, found stabbed to death at a children’s play park in Camden, north London, has been named by police as Mark Carroll.

Caroll, from the local area, was found collapsed in St Martin’s Gardens at around 1.35pm on Wednesday.

Witnesses described seeing only moments before a man making ‘slashing motions’ towards the victim and his friend at the former graveyard.

Caroll was taken to a local hospital where he died later that day.

Investigators initially suspected he died of cardiac arrest but medical professionals realised he had suffered a stab wound.

A man, 19, was arrested nearby on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody while officials examine a knife recovered.

Lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson 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, said: ‘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.’

St Martin’s Garden is the former site of Camden Town Cemetery

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