A man aged in his early 20’s was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday, 22 July, and is currently in custody at an east London police station, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement sent to The Portugal News.
Police were called at around 3.15pm on Thursday, 21 July, to reports of a 21-year-old man stabbed at the West Ham Lane Recreation Ground. Officers and London’s Air Ambulance attended the location, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Formal identification has now taken place and the man has been named by detectives as Bradley Dos Reis Pais Quaresma, 20 of east London. He was a Portuguese national. Next of kin are aware of his death.
A post-mortem examination held on Friday, 22 July, at East Ham mortuary gave cause of death as stab injuries.
In a statement, Bradley’s family said: “Bradley was a very friendly person. He was always keen to help others and the happiest person we have ever met. A smart guy with a big heart.”
Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, who is leading the investigation, said: “Bradley had his whole life ahead of him, and his death was both tragic and violent.
“Whilst we have made a number of arrests we are still continuing to appeal for information.
“We know that the park was very busy at the time with families and children playing and we are keen to hear from anyone who will be able to help us piece together what happened prior to Bradley being attacked.
“We continue to retain an open mind as regards any motive and it would not be prudent to speculate on that at this time.”
Anyone who can assist detectives is urged to contact the incident room on 020 8345 1570. To give information anonymously Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Two males, aged 16 and17 were arrested near the scene on suspicion of murder.
They have been bailed to return, pending further enquiries.