Two teens from Bellingham have been charged with the murder of a 19-year-old in Petts Wood.

Billy Jay Benton, 18, of Playgreen Way, Bellingham, SE6 was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Arvie-Ray Mehmet, 19, of Arnulf Street, Bellingham, SE6 was charged with murder.

The pair were charged yesterday (September 30) and are scheduled to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court on October 2.

An investigation was launched on September 20 following a report of a stabbing in Jubilee Country Park, Petts Wood.

Despite the intervention of officers and the Kent Air Ambulance, Max Moy Wheatley from Orpington, died at the scene.

A post-mortem conducted on September 22 confirmed his cause of death was a stab wound to the heart.

Max's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, according to the police.

Anyone with any additional information should call the non-emergency police number, 101, referencing CAD 3972/20Sep.

They have also established a dedicated online portal for the uploading of relevant footage and photos (https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS23V71-PO1).

To give anonymous information, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Detectives investigating the murder of Max Moy Wheatley in Petts Wood have charged two men.

“Billy Jay Benton, 18 (08/04/2005) of Playgreen Way, Bellingham, SE6 was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

“Arvie-Ray Mehmet, 19 (14/12/2003) of Arnulf Street, Bellingham, SE6 was charged with murder.

“Both men were charged on Saturday, 30 September following their arrest on Friday, 29 September. They will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 2 October.

“Max's family have been informed of this development and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

“An investigation was launched after police were called by the London Ambulance Service at about 14:30hrs on Wednesday, 20 September to reports of a man stabbed in Jubilee Country Park close to Tent Peg Lane in Petts Wood.

“Officers and the Kent Air Ambulance attended. Despite their efforts Max, who was from the Orpington area, sadly died at the scene.

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

“Detectives would like to thank the public for their help in this investigation so far. There is a dedicated online portal – via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS23V71-PO1 - 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.”