Baby fighting for life after heavily pregnant woman stabbed to death in London

A baby delivered after his mother was stabbed to death in London remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Kelly-Mary Fauvrelle was eight months pregnant when she was killed in Croydon in the early hours of Saturday morning.

In one of her last posts on Facebook, the 26-year-old had shared an ultrasound photograph with the caption: “Happy Valentine’s sweet pea…we can’t wait to meet you.”

Colleagues who worked with Ms Fauvrelle at Croydon’s Royal Mail delivery office, said they were in “total shock”.

A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail until early August, as the investigation continued on Monday.

Police were called at 3.30am on Saturday to reports of a woman in cardiac arrest in the Thornton Heath area.

A spokesperson for Scotland Yard said: “Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service (LAS) and found 26-year-old Kelly, who was eight months pregnant, suffering from stab injuries.

“Despite the efforts of paramedics, she sadly died at the scene.

“Her baby was delivered by LAS at the scene before being taken to hospital. The child remains there in a critical condition.

“A post-mortem examination will be held in due course. At this early stage officers retain an open mind as to motive.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Norman called the incident “horrific” and said Ms Fauvrelle’s family were being supported by specialist officers.

“At the forefront of our inquiries is understanding what exactly has led to these tragic circumstances, and we are doing everything we can to establish the facts,” he added.

A 37-year-old man who was previously arrested has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

A police cordon was put in place around the semi-detached house where Ms Fauvrelle was killed.

Neighbours said that three women lived at the house and had a small dog.

One described the victim as “a nice girl” and another said she was “shocked and surprised” to hear about the attack.

The Communication Workers’ Union, which represents Ms Fauvrelle’s Royal Mail colleagues, vowed to campaign for increased police funding after the “sickening” loss of life.

“Kelly leaves behind a baby fighting for their life, a family devastated by the loss and colleagues who are in total shock,” said general secretary Dave Ward.

“The union will do everything possible to help Kelly’s family and our members during this period.”

Ms Fauvrelle was a motorbike enthusiast, who had also passed a bus driving test, and recently became an aunt.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said: “Violence against women is endemic in society and devastating murders in the home, like this one, show the scale of the problem we face.

“My prayers are with this innocent child, and with the mother it has so tragically lost.”

Police are also investigating three other deaths across London over the weekend including an 18-year-old man.

A man died after being arrested by police during a fight in Brixton on Saturday afternoon.

The Metropolitan Police said they arrived at 6pm to find the 54-year-old injured following an assault, but arrested him before taking him to hospital.

He was pronounced dead at 10pm and the Independent Office for Police Conduct has been notified. Two men, aged 62 and 66, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Later on Saturday night, police were called to a stabbing in East Ham.

A man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 11pm.

Police were then called to reports of a fight in Sutherland Walk, Walworth, shortly before 5am on Sunday but could not find a victim at the scene.

At around the same time, the 18-year-old arrived at a nearby hospital with a stab wound. He was treated for serious injuries but died hours later.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Police appealed for anyone with information on the Thornton Heath incident to contact the dedicated incident room number on 0208 7214005, ring 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.