Mile Cross estate appalled over Lefroy Road stabbing victim

Police revealed yesterday that the 19-year-old man who was found murdered in a flat on Lefroy Road, Mile Cross, at the weekend had been dead for more than eight days. 

This has prompted outrage and questions from neighbours who have been left reeling. 

"I think it's dreadful, frightening," said Margaret Moore, who lives in Silver Birch Court, just yards from the crime scene. 

The body of a 19-year-old man was found in a ground-floor flat in Lefroy Road last Saturday (Image: Newsquest) "How could he have been there for that long without anybody noticing?

"It just goes to show how scared people are in this estate."

READ MORE: Teenage murder victim had been dead for about EIGHT days in city flat

Locals reported hearing shouting and screaming from the ground floor flat on Saturday evening, shortly before police officers turned up. It is unknown if it was related to the death. 

The block remains cordoned off, with a forensics tent still in place around the back. 

The scene in Lefroy Road, Norwich where the body was found (Image: Sonya Duncan) Police have confirmed the murder was likely drug-related. They believe the suspects "do not present a wider risk to the community".

A woman who has lived adjacent to the block for the last three years said: "Can you imagine the smell? I'm really surprised nobody knew.

"But then people get scared, they get really scared and that's just half of it.

"They don't want to get caught up in something like that so they ignore it, especially when there's someone known for drugs."

Nobody in the block reported any smell coming from the flat but a neighbour attested that the windows had been closed for the week leading up to the discovery. 

Police officers and forensics units remain at the scene (Image: Sonya Duncan) The victim has been identified as a 19-year-old man from London but he has not yet been named. A post-mortem confirmed he was killed with a single stab wound to the chest.

The crime echoes a similar incident which occurred in Norwich in August, when a man was stabbed while using the underpass at Paragon Place, in Pottergate. 

However, police have ruled out a connection between the two crimes. 

Lucy Galvin, councillor for the Pottergate area, said: "The strong communities in West Pottergate and Mile Cross are getting on with their lives and hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. 

Councillor Lucy Galvin shared her dismay at the incidents (Image: Newsquest) "Investigations are ongoing into these shocking murders and if people have information, they should contact the police." 

A Norfolk Police spokeswoman added: "We are still clearly in the early stages of our investigation and building a picture of the incident and what led up to the murder at Lefroy Road. 

"There are certain details we would not make public as we would not want to jeopardise the investigation. 

"Our priority is to find whoever is responsible for taking a young man’s life, whatever the circumstances, and bring them to justice.”

READ MORE: 'We heard swearing then screams' - estate locals on the night murder victim was found

Chrissie Rumsby, councillor for Mile Cross, has fought back against claims that it is a dangerous place to live. 

"I have looked at the usual comments and I do take some issue," she said.

"Many residents were having a great afternoon of cooking and eating on Lefroy Road on Sunday. 

Chrissie Rumsby has fought back against claims that Mile Cross is dangerous (Image: Newsquest) "A ball got lost in a tree and that was the worst thing that happened.

"Mile Cross has a great community spirit. The Phoenix Centre has various activities, Green Hearts are helping with community gardens and the Community Connectors do a great job of connecting residents with support.   

"Most days residents amaze me with their resilience and how they try to help others.

"So as councillor, I am proud of this community I represent and will support it in a positive way.

"Don't do it down as it's a great place with all its issues."