Flowers line the basketball court where a man was stabbed to death in front of children playing nearby.

The 25-year-old man, named locally as Nicholas, was murdered in St John’s Drive, Henry Prince Estate, Earlsfield.

Wandsworth Times:

The basketball court on the Henry Prince Estate 

Borough commander Detective Chief Superintendant Richard Smith said: “We understand that the individuals involved and the deceased victim were known to each other, and we are currently supporting the families of those concerned throughout this difficult time.

"We recognise and understand the distress and shock that crimes like this cause and we understand that residents of the Henry Prince Estate will want to see their local police being visible and available to answer their questions, and deal with their concerns.

"At present we have a dedicated local policing team who have increased foot patrols in the area to provide reassurance and presence.

“We understand that at least twenty people may have witnessed the events, but they soon fled the area perhaps in fear or in shock. I want to stress the importance in doing the right thing in coming forward - all calls will be taken in the utmost confidence.”

Wandsworth Times:

An Arsenal shirt at the scene 

Emergency services found him with serious stab wounds just before 9pm on Wednesday, August 13. He was pronounced dead.

Flowers now line the basketball court along with bottles of alcohol, candles and an Arsenal shirt.

A post-morterm examination at St George’s Hospital yesterday said he died from stab wounds to the leg and chest.

His family have been informed.

Wandsworth Times:

Bottles of alcohol and candles 

Wandsworth Times:

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It is very sad. It happened in front of children – they saw it happen.

"The area was closed up while they cleared up the blood."

Wandsworth Times:

St John's Drive, Earlsfield 

Tooting MP Sadiq Khan grew up on the Henry Prince Estate and said: “I know how close knit residents in the community are, and I join them in feeling incredibly shocked and saddened by this news.

Wandsworth Times: "No race problem" . . . Tooting MP Sadiq Khan

The murder took place on the MP's old estate 

"My thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time.  

“It is important that the police are able to complete their investigations and I would encourage anyone who has any information to contact the police as soon as possible."

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in the early hours of this morning and was in custody at a south London police station today.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s homicide and major crime command are investigating and an incident room has now opened.

Anyone with information should call police on 020 8721 4961 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The basketball court is a five-minute walk from Earlsfield train station 

Did you know Nicholas? Pay tribute to him below, email ssleigh@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8722 6433