Second arrest in Sydenham murder inquiry

Police have announced new developments – and a second arrest – in the Samuel Guidera murder inquiry.

A week on from the murder of the 24 yr old man in Sydenham, detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Detectives and local officers will be at the scene of the murder of Samuel Guidera [pronounced Good-era] tomorrow night (Saturday 19 February) handing out leaflets to the public, in the hope that they jog someone’s memory.

In particular, officers would like to speak to anyone who got off the train at Penge East at the same time as Samuel.

At 21:55hrs on Saturday 12 February Samuel was found collapsed in the street at Bailey Place, junction with Newlands Park, SE26 – approx. 200 metres from Penge East station.

He was taken by London Ambulance Service to hospital suffering from a stab wound, and was pronounced dead at 22:55hrs.

A post-mortem gave cause of death as a single stab wound to the heart.

Samuel was a student of history and politics at the University of Greenwich and was hoping to become a teacher. He worked at a local supermarket to support his studies.

Samuel had spent the day watching football on TV with friends. He travelled on the 21:17hrs train from Bickley to Penge East, crossed the footbridge over the railway to the Newlands Park exit en route to meet a friend.

Police released CCTV images on Monday 14 February showing Samuel as he went into a convenience store before walking towards the bus stop on Newlands Park where he was attacked.

Detective Lawrence Smith said: "Sam came from a loving family who are devastated as they struggle to come to terms with his death.

"We particularly want to hear from people who got off the train at the same time as Samuel.

"Were you on the 21:25hrs Victoria to Orpington train? The train arrived at Penge East station at 21:41hrs when Samuel Guidera got off the train. Did you get off the train at the same time? You may hold crucial information for this investigation.

"Samuel was carrying a distinctive pink T-mobile carrier bag which someone may remember."

Officers will be at the scene from approx 20:00hrs on Saturday, handing out leaflets in the local area.

+ On Thursday 17 February a man [A – 39 ys] was arrested from a residential address in Penge on suspicion of murder, and taken to a south London police station. He has since been bailed to return
in April, pending further inquiries.

At approximately 07:00hrs on Friday 18 February a man [B – 18 ys] was arrested from a residential address in Sydenham. He has been taken to a south London police station.

Enquiries continue.