Mama’s pizzas on Thornton Heath High Street. Pic: Google Street View

Friends and family of a 26-year-old man stabbed in Thornton Heath last night have raised £7000 in 12 hours to pay for his funeral costs.

The GoFundMe page for Mujaahid Wilson’s funeral was set up today by a friend of the family Khadijah, Umm Abdur-Rahman and had already reached the total by 4pm.

Umm Abdur-Rahman posted to the page saying: “Really, it is beautiful to see so many people showing their support for the family. Umm Mujaahid deeply appreciates all the kindness and support that the community and others have shown.”

Police are appealing for information about Wilson’s fatal stabbing. The motive of the attack is still unclear but Wilson was  apparently involved in an altercation between a group of people that escalated into a fight outside Mamma’s Pizzas on March 14.

The Metropolitan Police were called to the incident at around 8:30pm by the London Ambulance Service after they had reported the assault. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:09pm. 

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Will Reynolds, who is in charge of this case, has begun a forensic investigation within the area.

They’re dusting the visor of the scooter pic.twitter.com/kd5H14RqsG

— Tom Matthews (@Tom__Matthews) March 15, 2016

A statement was released by the Metropolitan Police at midday today and said: “At this early stage it is believed a group of around nine or ten men were gathered outside Mamma’s Pizza in the High Street shortly before 8.30pm.”

“The victim arrived in a Fiat Punto and parked opposite.”

“He got out and approached one of the men in the group. An argument developed that quickly turned into a fight. The altercation spilled into the road, forcing cars to stop. It ended with the victim being stabbed.”

“The suspect then ran off at speed into Gilsland Road. He is described as black and aged around 18-25. He was wearing dark clothing and a face mask.”

“Officers are keen to hear from any witnesses to what happened. The motive for the attack is unclear at this stage and officers are keeping an open mind.”

DCI Reynolds said: “This is a busy area and there were lots of people buses and traffic around at 8.30pm last night. I would ask any witnesses to please come forward.”

“We know from enquiries a dark Mercedes-type car had pulled up opposite Mamma’s Pizza and the driver was sitting inside his vehicle while this incident took place. Afterwards he went into one of the local shops. He could have important information for us.”

“There was also a moped outside the pizza shop – we would again appeal for the rider to contact us to see if he or she has information that could be useful to our inquiry.”

If you have any information about the incident please call 020 8721 4205, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111