POLICE have named the man stabbed to death in Sydenham as 24-year-old university student Samuel Guidera.

Mr Guidera was found collapsed in the street at the junction of Bailey Place and Newlands Park at around 9.55pm, around 200m from Penge East railway station.

Residents, motorists, bus passengers and pedestrians went to his aid, believing he had been hit by a car, but they discovered he had been stabbed.

He was rushed to hospital, but was pronounced dead at around 10.55pm.

His family have been informed of his death and a post-mortem examination will be scheduled.

An incident room has opened under the Homicide and Serious Crime Command of the Met Police.

Detective Chief Inspector John McFarlane said: "Mr Guidera travelled on the 9.17pm train from Bickley to Penge East.

“We are keen to speak with anyone who remembers seeing him either on the train or getting off just after 9.30pm.

"Mr Guidera, who was carrying a pink T-mobile carrier bag, crossed over the footbridge towards Newlands Park, en route to meet a friend, when we believe he was attacked.

“We are considering a number of possibilities, but believe this may have been a robbery.

“There would have been a number of people in the area and we are keen to speak with them."

Mr Guidera was studying history and politics at the University of Greenwich with the aim of becoming a teacher.

His family have released a statement, saying they are “devastated” by his death.

They said: "Samuel was a hard working man, who was passionate about his studies. He was also very family orientated.

“We are devastated and cannot understand why this has happened.

“We would appeal to anyone who has information about our son to contact the police."

Anyone with information which could help the police investigation is asked to call 020 8721 4205 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.