A “homeless and potentially vulnerable” man has died after an alleged stabbing in Croydon.

Police were called at 9.24am on Thursday (June 1), after the body of Ion Rado was found in a car park on Homelands Drive.

Ion suffered an injury to his abdomen which police believe to be a stab wound.

The 46-year-old was found unresponsive by a member of the public – Officers then attended and Ion was confirmed as deceased at the scene.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace any living relatives.

A post-mortem examination gave cause of death as a stab wound to the liver.

At this stage there have been no arrests.

Detective Chief Inspector Sal Minhas, who is leading the investigation, said: "I am very keen to hear from anyone who saw Ion in the 48 hours before he died.

“We think that Ion may have been homeless, and potentially vulnerable. We think he was a familiar face in the area, and may have engaged with local people.

“Did you know Ion? Did you see him recently, either on his own or in the company of someone else? If you spoke to him, was he worried or upset about anything?

“We are working to build a picture of Ion's life and we need the public to help us. If you have information that you want to share, no matter how insignificant it might seen, please get in touch."

If you have information, call Police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 1924/01JUNE.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “A murder investigation was launched after the body of Ion Rado, 46, was found in a carpark in Homelands Drive, Croydon. He had suffered an injury to his abdomen, that officers believe was a stab wound.

“Police were called at 09:24hrs on Thursday, 1 June to the car park of Efra Court, Homelands Drive, SE19 where a member of the public had found 46-year-old Ion Radu unresponsive.

“Officers attended and Ion was sadly confirmed as deceased at the scene.

“Enquiries are ongoing to trace any living relatives. A post-mortem examination gave cause of death as a stab wound to the liver.

“At this stage there have been no arrests.

“If you have information please call Police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting1924/01JUNE.

“To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.