A COMMUNITY group says improvements to a park are "vital" to prevent more of the area's young people from being killed.

Sixteen-year-old Nick Pearton was stabbed to death in Home Park, Sydenham, on May 5 between 4pm and 6.15pm.

The chairman of Friends of Home Park, says the park has long been regarded as "the runt of the family" compared to other parks in Lewisham borough, and that plans to improve it "must go ahead".

Anthony Scully said: "Extra facilities in the park are vital to stopping anti-social behaviour which can lead on to more serious violent crimes such as the tragedy on May 5.

"In providing kids with an alternative to hanging about on street corners we can encourage them to make better use of their time.

"The community garden, outdoor playground and outdoor classroom which are hopefully being funded must go ahead to help stop Home Park from being seen as the runt of the family."

News Shopper: Youngsters working on Home Park's community garden

Friends of Nick have been leaving tributes to the victim on New Shopper's website.

Rianna Nelson said: "Nick, Sydenham isn't going to be the same without you", and user 'It's me again' said: "When will this stop? Rest in peace young man. My thoughts are with your devastated family."

Meanwhile re-elected MP for Lewisham-Deptford, Joan Ruddock, has spoken to News Shopper in the wake of a separate murder in New Cross.

Nathan Allen, 21, of Desmond Street, New Cross, became the sixth youngster in five years to be killed on the notorious Woodpecker Estate when he was shot in the head in Ludwick Mews on May 3.

News Shopper: Nathan Allen

Speaking about the killing, Ms Ruddock said: "The vast majority of people in that area are decent law-abiding people and don't want their young people injured in violence.

"But we need to tackle it head on.

"I will strive to get the police, the communities, the local authorities and youth facilities working in partnership.”

She added: “There is no quick fix, no magic solution, but with hard work it can be done.”

Detectives investigating the murder made five arrests of men aged 17 to 19. They have all been bailed to return to a south London police station in late June.

In relation to the killing of Nick Pearton, police arrested six youths aged 14 to 17 from Sydenham, Bromley and Deptford. A 21-year-old man from Forest Hill was also arrested.

One of the youths, a 16-year-old boy from Downham, has been charged with murder.

He appeared at Camberwell Green Youth Court on May 11, and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at the same court tomorrow (MAY20).

The other arrested youths have been bailed to return to a south London police station next month pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information on either of these murders should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.