A MAN has been charged with the murder of a 42-year-old teacher who was stabbed to death in south London.
Police were called at around 10.30am on Thursday to reports of a woman found with stab wounds at a property in Nutfield Close, Carshalton.
The victim was later named as teacher Gemma Devonish.
Unfortunately, the rescue workers confirmed her death at the scene of the accident.
Police arrested James Madden, who was known to Gemma, on Friday.
The 38-year-old was charged with murder on Saturday.
He will appear in custody at Croydon Magistrates Court on Monday.
Gemma was a teacher at Rosebery School in Epsom, Surrey.
A tribute on the Rosebery School website said: “The entire Rosebery community is devastated by the sudden and unexpected death of Miss Gemma Devonish.
“Our thoughts are with Gemma’s mother and sister, her extended family and her friends at this deeply distressing time.”
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila previously said: “Our thoughts today are with Gemma’s family and friends as they try to come to terms with this truly tragic event.
“We offer them all the support we can.
“We know the wider community will also be affected and I would urge anyone with concerns to speak to local officials.
“While we have made an arrest, detectives continue to carry out a series of inquiries to build a picture of the events that led to this horrific murder.
“I would like to ask anyone who is in the Nutfield Close area and may have seen or heard anything suspicious, particularly on Wednesday December 18th or the morning of Thursday December 19th, to get in touch.”
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, of the South Area Command Unit, which is responsible for policing in Sutton, previously said: “I share the shock and concern that this terrible incident will have on the local community in Sutton.
“A team of specialist detectives are already making significant progress in this investigation and have quickly arrested a man who is now in police custody.
“Residents will see an increased number of officers in and around Nutfield Close while important investigative work is carried out.
“I would like to thank residents for their patience as this continues and would urge anyone who has concerns to speak to one of them so they can help.”
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