Appeal one-year on from murder of Max Moy Wheatley in Petts Wood

Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Bromley continue to appeal for witnesses and information a year on from the incident.

An investigation was launched after police were called by the London Ambulance Service at about 14:30hrs on Wednesday, 20 September 2023 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, 19-year-old Max Moy Wheatley sadly died at the scene.

Detective Inspector Adam Guttridge, who leads the investigation, said: “It is one year since Max was attacked and killed and we continue to ask the public for help in identifying whoever is responsible. Despite two arrests, we still need to hear from anyone who may have information relating to the murder of Max.

"This has been a challenging investigation and we are seeking information about the events that led to this young man losing his life. We want to provide answers to Max’s family and ensure they see justice for him.

"I am especially keen to hear from anyone who has information about the incident or those involved. We also need to hear from anyone who was in Jubilee Park at the key time and has not yet contacted police. There is a dedicated online portal where information can be uploaded.

"Anyone who thinks they may have information relating to Max’s murder, however small or insignificant they feel it may be, should contact the investigation team on 020 7175 2206 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Max’s sister has said the following: “A year ago today, my little brother took his last breath after being stabbed in the heart. Max may have been 19 but he was just a kid, a kind boy who would've helped anyone if he could. Max loved music and spending time with his family and friends. Max wasn't a horrible boy, he was young and carefree, he hated confrontation and was often a peacemaker between his friends and he would never hurt anyone as he had a strong sense of right and wrong.

"Just for a moment I ask you to put yourself in our shoes, we currently have no answers or understanding of why my brother was cruelly and brutally murdered as he walked through a quiet park in Petts Wood. As a family we didn't get the opportunity to hold his hand or comfort him in his last moments as he never left the park alive. We'd give anything to have been able to hold his hand or see his face one last time.

"As a family we are stuck in a constant state of despair, knowing that whoever is responsible for Max’s murder has not been brought to justice and knowing that another family could soon be feeling the same mental torture and pain we have been feeling for almost a year.

"As Max's older sister I'm asking you to think back to that day, the 20th September 2023 - if there was any information that could help us as a family get justice for my little brother and a small piece of closure for my family please contact the police.

"There are people out there that know what happened to my brother that day. You may feel the information you have may not be relevant, you may have thought nothing of it at the time, you may have heard something that can help, maybe a conversation or you may feel scared to speak up but as a sister who's entire world and family was ripped apart through one mindless, violent act I am begging you to come forward and do the right thing. If this was your child, your little brother, your friend, you would want people to do the right thing and come forward so no other family experiences the same pain that we feel."

If you have footage or images, these can be uploaded here .

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 3972/20Sep2023. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.