A second person has been arrested by police on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed to death in Thornton Heath.

Police continue to investigate the death of Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto, 27, who died from his injuries after being attacked and stabbed by a group of men in Mayfield Crescent in Thornton Heath at 10:30pm on December 19.

A 19-year-old man is the second person to have been arrested on suspicion of murder on December 28 and has been taken into police custody.

A 22-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of murder on December 24, he has been bailed pending further enquires. 

Following the stabbing, the suspects drove off in the car Michael had driven in, a grey Vauxhall Grand X Elite with the registration DL19LVS.

The car has since been located.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or 'X' @MetCC quoting the reference CAD 7509/19Dec or anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command leads the investigation and said: “While these arrests mark significant developments in this investigation there is still a great deal of work ongoing.

“I would like to thank those people who have come forward with information that assisted us in locating the car Michael had been travelling in when he was attacked.

“However, I reiterate my appeal for anyone who was in the area and saw the events unfold, and has yet to speak to police, to come forward.

“Your information could prove to be vital in identifying those responsible for this brutal murder.”

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Detectives investigating a fatal stabbing in Croydon have made a second arrest.

“A 19-year-old man [B] was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, 28 December. He was taken into custody where he remains at this time.

“A 22-year-old man [A], arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday, 24 December has been bailed pending further enquiries.

“The investigation into the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto remains ongoing.

“Michael died after being attacked and stabbed by a group of men on Mayfield Crescent in Thornton Heath at around 22:30hrs on Tuesday, 19 December.

“After the attack, the suspects drove off in the car Michael had been travelling in, a grey Vauxhall Grand X Elite – registration DL19LVS. The car has since been located.

“Anyone with information that could assist is asked to call 101 or 'X' @MetCC reference CAD 7509/19Dec.

“You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”