Petts Wood: Detectives investigating fatal stabbing of teenager arrest two on suspicion of murder

Max Moy Wheatley, from Orpington, was stabbed in the heart at Jubilee Country Park
Victim: Max Moy Wheatley
Met Police
Josh Salisbury29 September 2023
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Detectives investigating the murder of Orpington teenager Max Moy Wheatley have arrested two men.

The 19-year-old was stabbed in the heart at Jubilee Country Park, close to Tent Peg Lane in Petts Wood, on the afternoon of September 20 and died at the scene.

On Friday, two men - aged 19 and 18 - were arrested on suspicion of Max’s murder. They remain in custody at a south London police station.

Officers said the victim’s family have been informed of this development and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Officers and the Kent Air Ambulance attended. Despite their efforts Mr Wheatley died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination held on Friday September 22 gave cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

Detective Chief Inspector Laura Semple said: “Our thoughts remain with Max' Family and friends as they continue to struggle with coming to terms with him being taken from them in such a violent way."

There have been 15 teenage homicides in the capital so far this year, and most were the result of stabbings.

Schoolgirl Elianne Andam, 15, became the latest teenager to tragically lose her life in after being fatally stabbed during Wednesday morning’s rush hour in Croydon.

The worst year for teen homicides in London was 2021, when 30 teenagers lost their lives.

Detectives have opened a dedicated online portal for the probe into Mr Wheatley’s killing, called Operation Archspot, where footage and pictures can be uploaded.

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 3972/20Sep. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in