Two teenagers have been charged with the murder of a 15-year-old boy following a fatal stabbing in woodland near Stoke Park in Guildford, Surrey Police have said.
The defendants, aged 15 and 16, were arrested after emergency services were called to a wooded area off Lido Road at about 18:10 GMT on Monday. Officers had responded to reports that a teenage boy had been stabbed. Despite the efforts of paramedics, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police later identified the victim as Luis Gabriel Guembes, aged 15. His family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers as investigations continue.
The two suspects, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to their age, have been charged with murder. They also face additional charges of conspiracy to rob and possession of a bladed article. Surrey Police confirmed that both boys are due to appear at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Following the incident, officers sealed off large sections of woodland near Stoke Park while forensic teams carried out examinations. A visible police presence remained in the area throughout the week, and officers conducted door-to-door enquiries as part of the investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers, who is leading the inquiry, said the incident had caused “immense shock and sadness” within the local community. She urged anyone who may have witnessed events leading up to the stabbing, or who has information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.
“This was a tragic and violent incident involving young people,” she said. “Our thoughts remain with Luis’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. We are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death.”
Local residents expressed their distress at the incident, with many describing the area around Stoke Park as a popular and usually peaceful spot for families and young people. Floral tributes were left near the woodland entrance as members of the community gathered to pay their respects.
Guildford Borough Council said it was working closely with Surrey Police and local schools to offer support to young people affected by the incident. Youth services and counselling support are expected to be made available in the coming days.
Knife crime involving teenagers has been a growing concern across parts of the UK, prompting renewed calls from community leaders and charities for early intervention, youth engagement programmes and increased awareness around carrying bladed weapons.
Surrey Police have appealed directly to anyone with information, CCTV footage or social media material related to the incident to contact them. Information can be reported via the Surrey Police website, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crime stoppers.
As the case proceeds through the courts, detectives say their focus remains on securing justice for the victim and providing reassurance to the Guildford community.
