Murder Investigation Launched in Guildford Following Stabbing of Teenager

Published on: 20 Jan, 2026
Updated on: 21 Jan, 2026

The police cordon around Peacock or Wild Wood at Stoke Park.

By Martin Giles

A murder investigation has been launched following the stabbing of a teenager near the Lido swimming pool in Guildford.

Officers were called to woodland in Stoke Park near Parkway at 6.10pm yesterday evening (Monday, January 19) following reports of a stabbing at the location.

Map showing location of Lido Road. Apple maps

South East Coast Ambulance Service and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service also attended but sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public, a teenage boy died at the scene. His family have been informed and are being supported.

In the video clip below members of the forensic team can be seen at work…

An investigation, led by the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, is underway. No arrests have been made as yet. Police say they are following several lines of enquiry in a “fast-moving” investigation.

Detective Chief Superintendent Debbie White is leading the investigation.

This afternoon the Detective Chief Superintendent Debbie White, leading the murder investigation, said: “Yesterday evening we received a report that a 15-year-old boy had been stabbed in woodland in Stoke Park in Guildford.

“Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of public at the location, he died shortly afterwards.

“His family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers. Our heartfelt condolences remain with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.

“A murder investigation, led by the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, is underway.

“We appreciate that this incident will have caused shock and concern amongst our local communities, and we want to reassure you that we are working at pace to establish the circumstances of the boy’s death, gather as much evidence as possible and identify those responsible.

“Although the circumstances of the boy’s death are not clear at this time, this is a fast-moving investigation, and we are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry. We would ask that people don’t speculate about what might have happened while we work through these enquiries.

“A police cordon remains in place, and we respectfully ask that people stay away from the area while we carry out our investigation.

“A significant police presence will remain in the area for some time. The A25, Parkway, remains unaffected.

“We are continuing to appeal to any witnesses or anyone who was in the area around Lido Road, Parkway, and Stoke Park between 6pm and 6.20pm yesterday, or anyone with any information which could help us progress our enquiries, to come forward as a matter of urgency.”

A police cordon is in place around the wooded area known as Peacock Wood and Wild Wood Adventure, and at the end of the car park on Lido Road. There is expected to be a significant police presence in the area for some time.

Earlier, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Andy Jenkins said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim at this desperately sad time.

“I know there will be a lot of concern and speculation in the local community following the events of last night. I would like to reassure them that our officers are working around the clock to establish the circumstances of this tragic incident, gather as much evidence as possible, and identify and bring those responsible to justice.

“Our investigation is still in its early stages, and we are urgently looking to speak to anyone with any information that may assist our enquiries.

“Were you in the area around Lido Road, Parkway, and Stoke Park between 6pm and 6.20pm on Monday, 19 January? Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area or running from the woods around this time? Any piece of information you have, no matter how small, could be significant.”

Guildford’s MP Zoe Franklin (right) speaking to a police officer manning the cordon.

Guildford’s MP Zöe Franklin attended the scene to be briefed. We expect to receive her statement later.

Although there have been several knife crime incidents in Guildford in recent years this is believed to be the first knife murder since the Dragon NEWS commenced publication in 2012.

See articles relating to knife crime here.

A police spokesperson said: “If you know anything that might help, please get in touch quoting PR/45260006995 via: