Marjama Osman, 26, was heard screaming for help from her flat before collapsing in street as two men arrested on suspicion of murder
‘Smiley and bubbly’ victim was assaulted inside Croydon home before staggering outside where she died from single stab wound
A young woman stabbed to death in broad daylight in south London has been named for the first time as 26-year-old Marjama Osman.
The victim, described by devastated neighbours as “smiley and bubbly,” was heard screaming desperately for help from inside her flat before passersby alerted police.
Police revealed that Marjama was assaulted inside an address on Frith Road, Old Town Croydon, before going into the street where she collapsed and died from a single stab wound.
Emergency services, including London’s Air Ambulance, rushed to the scene just after 9am on Saturday morning but the 26-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two men aged 32 and 33 have been arrested on suspicion of murder and released on bail as Scotland Yard launches a major investigation into the killing.
‘She was screaming for help’
Shocked neighbours revealed chilling details of Marjama’s final moments, with They said she lived alone in a flat on Frith Road, but immediately before her death, they had heard her screaming for help before a neighbour called the police.
Neighbours and friends of Osman described her as “smiley and bubbly” and “lovely young woman” who lived alone in the flat where the attack began.
One local resident told how they witnessed “a furious argument” on the street between three people shortly before the tragedy.
“There was very loud arguing, it was very aggressive. There were three people: a woman and two men,” the witness said.
Double arrest
A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder before being taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
In a significant development, On Sunday, 1 June, officers also arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
Both men have since been released on bail while detectives continue their investigation into what police are treating as murder.
Police appeal for witnesses
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, leading the investigation, made an urgent appeal to the community: “We appreciate that this tragic incident has caused real concern within the community in Croydon.
Our understanding at the moment is that Marjama was assaulted inside an address on Frith Road before going into the street where she collapsed. We are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area to contact us and assist with our investigation.
He added: “We appreciate that there is speculation within the local community around Marjama’s death. I would encourage anyone who may have heard anything concerning her death to contact us. These conversations within the community could lead us to getting the justice Marjama deserves.”
Brave attempts to help
Superintendent Mitch Carr, who leads local policing in Croydon, revealed the heroic efforts of locals who tried to save Marjama.
This is a tragic incident where a young woman has lost her life and our thoughts are with her loved ones,” he said.
I especially want to thank the members of the public, including a teenage boy, who bravely tried to help the victim.
Community in shock
The brutal daylight attack has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community in central Croydon, close to the bustling Surrey Street market.
Police have moved to reassure residents, with Superintendent Carr stating: “We believe that this was an isolated incident, but understand that this news will shock the local community.
Officers will remain in the area over the coming days and we would ask anyone who has concerns to speak with them.
Investigation continues
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry as they work to piece together the events leading to Marjama’s death.
While formal identification is yet to take place, Marjama’s devastated family have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers.
The investigation is focusing on:
- The assault inside the Frith Road property
- The “furious argument” witnessed by neighbours
- The relationship between the victim and the two arrested men
- Any previous incidents at the address
Appeal for information
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
Detective Chief Inspector Whellams emphasized: “Our priority at the moment is to continue gathering the evidence we need to hold whoever is responsible for Marjama’s death to account, whilst supporting her family at this difficult time.”
Anyone with information is asked to:
- Call police on 101
- Message @MetCC on X (formerly Twitter)
- Quote reference 2240/31MAY
- To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Another young life lost
The killing marks another tragic loss of a young woman’s life to knife crime in the capital, coming as London continues to grapple with violent crime.
Marjama’s death has reignited calls for action on violence against women, with local residents expressing their shock that such a brutal attack could happen in broad daylight on their doorstep.
As the investigation continues, a community mourns the loss of a “lovely young woman” whose life was cut tragically short at just 26 years old.
