A fatal stabbing in Crystal Palace has sparked a divide among residents, with newcomers expressing shock while long-term locals say the violence was 'expected' amid rising anti-social behaviour. Police launched a murder investigation after Kamahl Cameron-Williams, 31, died at the scene on Westow Hill at 3:39am on Sunday, June 21, despite emergency services' efforts.
Recent arrivals shocked by violence
Dan and Jenn, both 38, recently moved to Crystal Palace from Hackney with their baby. Dan told MyLondon: 'It's always felt very safe around here, not like Hackney where we used to live. I'm quite shocked – it's very surprising. We lived in Hackney for 12 years before, where we were much more used to stuff like that. This is a nice, quiet area, it's not what you expect.'
Long-term residents say violence was 'expected'
Nayan Patel, 42, manager of Budgens on Westow Hill, has lived in Crystal Palace for 42 years. He said the last six to eight months have felt 'very different'. Patel told MyLondon: 'I had a lot of problems living here in the 1970s and 80s. But I've lived here for 42 years and the last six to eight months, things have changed, there have been lots of new crowds that no one wants.' He raised concerns about people drinking and taking drugs around the Crystal Palace triangle, adding: 'I'm not surprised a stabbing happened. On Friday morning when I came to open the shop there was a woman naked on the bins outside Morley's. I mean, how does this happen? When I come to open the shop I can see people smoking weed, there are drinks and litter everywhere. I have tenants upstairs who have complained about the noise and mess. We have complained to the council about all of it but they have done nothing. Nothing has changed.'
Business owners voice concerns
The owner of Headmasters on Westow Hill, who was forced to close on Sunday, told MyLondon: 'I think 10 years ago you would have thought “Oh my goodness, a murder”, but now it's almost expected. This does feel like a safe area but it doesn't feel that shocking. I've seen all the tape and stuff and it just feels like that's South London. Things like this happen all the time. There was a kid stabbed in Battersea at the weekend and Battersea is lovely, so I don't think it's the area I think it's just South London. I just think things like this happen in London all the time and it might sound bad but I wasn't shocked.'
Local bars respond to anti-social behaviour concerns
A spokesperson for Escape Cocktail Bar told MyLondon: 'I am too concerned about noise and anti-social behaviour and follow the codes applied when running a business by the Licensing Act 2003. Escape has a late night licence on a Friday and Saturday, however it generally closes before the agreed licensed hours. The dispersal after hours normally results in the disappearance of crowds in five to 15 minutes. Escape has an id checker and security staff on late nights, a minimum of two staff and all patrons both men and women undergo a search and check. Escape closed at 2am on the night when [the fatal stabbing occurred]. We will endeavour to work with the community to improve the late night activities.'
A spokesperson for Cocktail Embassy said: 'First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident. Cocktail Embassy has been part of the Crystal Palace community for over 12 years, and we care deeply about the area and the people who live and work here. Like everyone else, we were saddened and very concerned to hear what happened. We understand the concerns being raised by local residents and businesses. On the night in question, we closed around 2:40am and there were no customers remaining shortly afterwards. We want Crystal Palace to remain a safe and vibrant place, and we will continue working with local businesses, residents and the authorities to support that. We also strongly hope and encourage all businesses operating in the area to uphold the same principles, adhere to their licensing conditions, and do everything possible to help make Crystal Palace a better place for everyone who lives, works and visits here.'
Police investigation and arrests
Six people have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Two men, aged 21 and 23, remain in custody. Four other men, aged between 17 and 45, detained on Sunday, have been released on bail pending further enquiries. Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, leading the investigation, said: 'Our thoughts remain with Kamahl's family and friends as they come to terms with this tragic loss. There is no place for knife crime on our streets. Our detectives continue to work at pace and remain committed to apprehending those responsible for taking Kamahl away from his loved ones. We have already made significant arrests and are closing in on outstanding suspects. Anyone with information that may assist our investigation is urged to speak to us as a matter of urgency.'
The crime scenes on Westow Hill and Woodland Road have now been lifted. A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Wednesday, June 34. Kamahl's next-of-kin continue to receive support from specialist officers. Anyone with information – or relevant CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage – can speak to police via 101, quoting 1302/21JUN. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
