Detectives investigating Battersea murder appeal for witness

Detectives investigating the murder of 25-year-old Tai Folkes are releasing an image of a woman they believe may be a key witness.

Police were called at 18:12hrs on Monday, 2 March to reports that a man had been stabbed during an altercation between a group of men on Thessaly Road, Battersea.

Officers attended with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service. Tai was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced deceased.

Specialist homicide detectives continue to investigate Tai’s death and are today releasing images of a witness who they think could hold important information about the stabbing.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, said:

"We believe this woman was with Tai in his vehicle immediately before the attack. She could hold crucial information about why he went to the location where he tragically lost his life.

"My team has been working to identify this woman, but we believe she may not be local. She is not suspected of any offence and is considered to be a witness."

Tai’s family are being supported by specialist officers. In a tribute, they said:

“Tai was a much‑loved son, brother and friend. He was a caring young man full of warmth, humour and loyalty. We are devastated by his loss.

“Tai had his whole future ahead of him, with dreams, plans and so much left to give. The pain of knowing his life has been taken from us in such a cruel and sudden way is something we will carry forever.”

Two men, aged 28 and 38, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Monday, 2 March have been bailed.

A 21-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were arrested on Thursday, 5 March on suspicion of assisting an offender. They have both been bailed.

Officers will return to the scene of Tai’s murder later today, Monday, 9 March - a week on from Tai’s death - to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious and who have not already approached the police.

Anyone with relevant mobile phone footage, CCTV, dash cam video or doorbell footage should submit it to the police via the Major Investigation Public Portal site.

Anyone with information can also contact police via 101, quoting CAD 6165/2MAR, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.