Paramedics found Aurelio Mejía with stab wounds following the disturbance outside a nightclub in Ruby Street near Peckham, south London, during the early hours of Monday
A young man was stabbed to death outside a nightclub after he “had gone to help his friend” following a disturbance, it is said.
It is thought Aurelio Mejía, 26, had dashed to calm tensions amid fracas outside the nightclub in Ruby Street near Peckham, south London, which had hosted a party on Sunday night into Monday. Mr Mejía suffered injuries and, though paramedics were called, he was declared dead at the scene at around 4am.
One witness said: “There were machetes and extreme violence. Two groups of men, who I think had been in the club, were fighting. It seemed the man who died had gone back to help his friend. He had a neck wound from what I could see.”
Four men, one aged 18 and three aged 24, were arrested later on Monday, on suspicion of murder. They all remain in custody, the Metropolitan Police said.
One of those arrested, a 24-year-old man, had suffered injuries himself and required treatment in hospital. Police, though, continue their investigation.
One mum, who lives near Ruby Street, told Metro: “Obviously the club opens late sometimes as its hired out for parties. But I saw blue lights and looked out and there were police everywhere — it was carnage.”
A student living in a block nearby said police had swarmed the area. He told the outlet: “It’s terrifying, even my mum heard about it on the news. To live in a crime scene and crossing a police line to get to university is awful.”
Mr Mejía’s next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, Met Police continued. Officers were called at 03:54am on Monday to reports of disturbance involving a group of people outside the nightclub. Upon arrival, officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service found Aurelio with stab wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.
Ruby Street is off Old Kent Road, which connects Peckham and other areas of southeast London with central parts of the capital. Forensics officers there are trawling for clues with specialist search officers scouring the area for weapons, it is believed.
In the force’s latest update, a Met Police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with Aurelio’s family, who have suffered a terrible loss. We are continuing with our enquiries into this matter. As part of this, residents may notice an increased police presence in the local area.
“Given the circumstances of this incident – which occurred outside a busy nightclub – the investigation team believe there may have been many relevant witnesses. We urge anyone who has any information, dashcam or mobile phone footage which could support the investigation to contact us.”
