Police name Rotherhithe park stabbing victim and appeal for witnesses

Detectives investigating a murder in Rotherhithe, where the killer casually walked off through a park full of people, have named the victim, as appeals for information continue.

Rocky Djelal, 38, from Rotherhithe, was found by police in Southwark Park shortly before 2pm yesterday, Wednesday, 31 October to reports of a man assaulted.

The attack happened by a playground near the Gomm Road entrance.

Officers, London Air Ambulance and paramedics found Rocky suffering from stab injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place this afternoon.

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command have launched an investigation and would like to hear from any witnesses who were in the area at the time of the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding said: “This was a calculated and brazen attack, carried out in broad daylight in the middle of a busy park where children were playing.

“Any speculation about the motive is unhelpful at this early stage, but we do believe that Rocky may have been targeted.”

Witnesses have described the suspect as a white male believed to be aged between 20-35 years old and was wearing dark clothing with a hood covering his face. He was also wearing a fluorescent hi-vis vest over the top of his clothing.

DCI Harding adds: “CCTV footage shows that the suspect was alone in the park shortly before the murder. He then left the park and re-entered via the Gomm Road entrance where he approached the victim and killed him. He then casually walked away after stabbing Rocky.

“There would have been numerous witnesses to both the attack and the events after the attack, including those who saw which direction the suspect went.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information that could assist this investigation to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information concerning this fatal stabbing are urged to call the incident room on 0208 721 4205 or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

You can also tweet police via @MetCC

There have been no arrests; enquiries continue.
A Rocky Djelal, 24, was convicted in 2014 at the Old Bailey in 2014 of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm following a trial over the murder in Borough High Street of an innocent man, Chris Foster, 34.
Aytach Lisani, 33, was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years for the father of one’s murder at the St Christopher’s Inn, in a case of mistaken identity.
The other members of the gang who attacked Mr Foster in revenge for an attack by someone completely different were Billy Dove, 30, who was sentenced to six years and six months and Ali Lisani, 38, who got seven years and six months.
The court heard Mr Foster was enjoying his last drink of the night with a friend after visiting pubs in Southwark. A group of men, including some of the defendants, suddenly appeared, their faces hidden by hoods and scarves and at least one had a bat and another a knife, the court was told.
Mr Foster was stabbed once from behind in the back. He managed to get inside the pub where he collapsed to the floor. He died 90 minutes later at the Royal London Hospital, leaving behind his four-year-old daughter, Christina, his mum and dad and two brothers.