A father-of-one fatally stabbed by a row of shops has been described as a ‘pillar of kindness’ and the ‘heartbeat of his family’.
Sanchini Thompson, 27, was taken to hospital after being attacked in Rushey Green, Lewisham at 3am on Wednesday.
Sanchini was treated for multiple stab wounds but died later in hospital.
Sanchini’s family said: ‘In loving memory of a son, a father, and a cherished friend, our hearts are heavy as we remember a man whose presence brightened every room he entered.
‘At just 27, he was already a pillar of kindness, a devoted father to his beloved four-year-old daughter, and the heartbeat of his family.
‘He gave freely of himself sharing his time, his laughter, to bring joy to others, always prioritising the happiness and well-being of those around him.’
They added: ‘His generosity knew no bounds, and his compassion touched friends, neighbours, and strangers alike.
‘Words cannot fully capture the depth of our gratitude for him and the impact of his kindness on our lives.
‘He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will remain with us in the love he shared and the memories we will carry forward.’
A murder investigation has been launched with detectives from the Met’s specialist crime command leading the case.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Kelly Reed, a mother of two who lives near the crime scene, told Metro: ‘We knew it must have been serious but to hear a man had died is heartbreaking.
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‘I had to take my kids to school through a crime scene which was horrible.
‘Our children should not have to go through this. To explain to them what has happened is soul-destroying.’
Pictures from the scene show police cordons raised outside the Poundland store on Rushey Green.
Maria, who has run the nearby La Ciabatta café for fourteen years, said she was ‘upset’ by the killing yards away from her shopfront.
She said: ‘It’s not safe [here]. It’s been really bad over the last two years. Especially nighttime – there’s gangs, people dealing drugs.’
Maria added that the high street felt emptier this morning has police scour the scene in search of evidence.
DCI Rebecca Woodsford, leading the investigation, said: ‘We are all thinking of Sanchini’s loved ones at this heartbreaking time. I’d also like to echo previous thanks to residents, who have been incredibly patient while we conducted initial enquiries.
‘Knife crime has no place on our streets, and myself and the team of dedicated detectives are working round the clock to ensure we find those responsible for this heinous crime.’
Anyone with information relating to the incident is urged to contact the Met via 101.