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13-year-old boy becomes one of youngest ever people to be charged with murder after fatal stabbing in south-west London

13-year-old joins three other teenagers charged with the murder of Martin Thomas in Roehampton, South West London

Jack Simpson
Sunday 04 May 2014 16:45 BST
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A 13-year-old boy has become one of the youngest people ever to be arrested for murder after he was charged in connection with the death of a man in South West London.

The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, joins a 15-year-old, 16-year-old and a 17-year-old to be charged with the murder of 39-year-old Martin Thomas.

The teenager was taken into custody by police for questioning, and is to appear in Wimbledon Magistrates Court on May 5.

Thomas was found at his home on Huntingfield Road, Roehampton on April 22 when a stab wound to his chest had punctured his lung.

An air ambulance was sent to transport Thomas to hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police have set up an incident room and are continuing to investigate, but say it is too early to make any definite conclusions.

Detective Chief Inspector Charlie King, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said earlier: "At this early stage we are keeping an open mind about any possible motive.”

They are a keen for three men who were seen loitering in the area and could have been witnesses to get in contact with the police and help them with their investigation.

King said: "Members of the public have already provided us with accounts of three young men seen loitering in the area prior to the incident. I am directly appealing to these young men to come forward and speak us.”

He added: "I am also urging anyone who may have more information regarding this incident to contact us."

Call police on 020 8721 4205 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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