A FATHER of three knifed to death in Selsdon last week was stabbed around 100 times, the Advertiser understands.
Andrew Else, 52, was killed in a sustained and frenzied attack at around 10.30pm last Thursday (April 24) in Selsdon Park Road, Selsdon.
A postmortem revealed Mr Else died of multiple stab wounds, despite lengthy attempts by paramedics at the scene to revive him.
It is thought Mr Else was walking to his home in Pixton Way when the apparently random attack took place, close to an alleyway linking Selsdon Park Road with the Forestdale estate.
Residents have this week spoken of their shock that such an horrific attack could take place in what is a usually quiet area.
One woman in her 40s, who lives opposite the spot where the stabbing took place, said she had witnessed the attempts to revive Mr Else from her bedroom window.
She said: "The paramedics were pumping at his chest for what seemed like a very long time; it was shocking. I have heard that it was a very frenzied attack.
"This is a peaceful area and we never really get any trouble. I would certainly never think twice about walking on my own, night or day, to the shops at Featherbed Lane."
She added: "If it was a young lad on another young lad it wouldn't have been so surprising but for it to be a 52-year-old man – I just can't imagine what happened."
A man in his 50s, who lives near the scene but asked not to be named, said: "We get the odd problem from the students at John Ruskin College but this is a generally friendly place where people say hello and pass the time of day, even if they don't really know each other.
"The first I knew of it was when I heard the commotion when the police turned up. It is a shock."
Phyllis Keene, 70, of Heathfield Drive, said: "It's scary but I thought it might be a fight between young people.
"We have had a few car smashes down here but nothing like this that I can remember."
Chief superintendent David Musker, Croydon borough commander, said this week: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts, first and foremost, are with the victim's family and friends at this time.
"Alongside the murder investigation, our priority is to reassure the local community in the area and we fully recognise the impact that this incident will have on local people."
Safer Neighbourhood officers have been carrying out extra patrols in the area to talk to any people who have concerns.
Ephraim Norman, 23, of Kensington Avenue, Thornton Heath, has been charged with murder, in connection with Mr Else's death.
He appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday and spoke only to answer his name. He was remanded in custody until August 1, when he is due to enter a plea to the charge of murder.
