The heartbroken mother of a young man “senselessly” stabbed to death on a south London high street has spoken of the “darkness” that will surround her for her whole life.
Filipe Oliveira, 20, was found bleeding to death from multiple knife wounds after staggering into a shop in Norwood Road, Tulse Hill at 6pm on Saturday.
His family, who come from Beja in Portugal, but have lived in London for several years, said that Filipe was murdered “without sense or provocation”.
Police are hunting a man described as a black, of short build, who was wearing a blue hooded top and a blue Covid mask seen fleeing the scene along Christchurch Road.
The victim’s sister Soraira paid tribute to Filipe on a crowdfunder looking to raise £10,000 for his funeral costs.
She said: “Felipe was one of the funniest people you could come across, and always put his friends and family first.
“He would be willing to give his last pound away to someone else who needed it and shared everything he had.
“Filipe was a very spiritual person and was using this to find himself and to become the good strong young man we knew he would grow to be.”
She added: “No one plans for someone to die at 20 years old.
“Especially not for them to be taken so violently and suddenly.”
His mother Ana posted a picture of Filipe on Facebook, adding: “That darkness so big, my son, that it stays for my whole life.”
A Met spokesman said there had been no arrests but a homicide investigation has been launched, led by Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, Specialist Crime. DCI Blackburn said: “Our investigation is making significant progress, but I am continuing to appeal for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. I also want to hear from anyone who may have footage that will assist the investigation. “We are also keen to speak to a man described as a black, of short build, who was wearing a blue hooded top and a blue Covid mask. He ran away from the scene along Christchurch Road. I particularly want to hear from anyone who may have seen this man, or who has footage of him. Of course, he may have discarded the mask shortly after the incident.”
Anyone who has information, video or images that could help police should call 101 ref CAD 5605/15 Apr.
To donate to the family crowdfunder click here.
