Two boys who were stabbed to death a mile apart from each other in south east London have been pictured for the first time by police.

Kearne Solanke was found with stab wounds in Titmuss Avenue in Thamesmead, while Charlie Bartolo was discovered a short time later in Sewell Road in Abbey Wood just after 5pm on Saturday (November 26).

Officers and London Ambulance Service crews attended but both boys were pronounced dead at the scene.

A 16-year-old boy and 15-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday (November 29).

They both remain in police custody.

Another 16-year-old boy who was arrested on November 27 but has now been released on bail.

He is due back at the police station in February 2023.

Detective chief inspector Kate Blackburn said the arrests were positive but the appeal for witnesses is still ongoing.

Investigators are keen to hear from those who saw a black Nissan Qashqai with silver roof bars around Sewell Road or Titmuss Avenue in the days and hours before the murders.

DCI Blackburn explained: “My officers are working around the clock to establish the circumstances of these senseless murders and to find those responsible.

“We remain in close contact with the families of Kearne and Charlie and are keeping them updated with developments as the investigation progresses.

“We are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry and at this time I am keeping an open mind about any motive.

“We’ve now set up a facility which allows members of the public to send information and related material direct to the investigation team so that we can carry out a quick time assessment.

“The arrests are a positive development but we continue to work to understand the events that unfolded on Saturday evening.

“I am grateful for the information we have received already – we can only solve these tragic crimes in part thanks to the vital information which comes in from the public.

“We are aware of information which has been posted online referring to the murders, but would appeal specifically to anyone in the area that night who believes they witnessed something of relevance to please come forward and speak to us.

“Information can be given anonymously via Crimestoppers if you don’t feel confident speaking to the police directly.

“We continue to appeal to those who may have seen a black Nissan Qashqai with silver roof bars in the areas around Sewell Road or Titmuss Avenue in the days and hours before the murders.

“We have the vehicle in our possession, but are still interested in witnesses who may have seen it being driven locally.

“Information you provide could help us bring justice for these young boys and their families.”

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “ A 16-year-old boy was arrested this morning, Tuesday, 29 November and a 15-year-old boy was arrested this evening.

“Both were arrested on suspicion of both murders.

“They remain in custody.

“A 16-year-old boy who was arrested on Sunday, 27 November – also on suspicion of both murders - has now been released on bail pending further enquiries and is next due back to a south London police station in February 2023.

“At around 17:10hrs on Saturday, 26 November police were called to reports of two people injured at two separate locations - Sewell Road, Abbey Wood and Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead.

“Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.

“At the Sewell Road location they found 16-year-old Charlie Bartolo, with stab wounds.

“Kearne Solanke, also 16, was discovered in Titmuss Avenue.

“He had also suffered stab wounds.

“Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, both boys sadly died.”

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