LEWISHAM’S top police officer wishes to “reassure” Catford residents who want to move after a 79-year-old woman was stabbed to death in their street.

Simon Forgie, 42, has been charged with the murder of his mother Pernella Forgie at the house they shared in Glenfarg Road.

Police were called to their address at around 1:30pm on Wednesday after reports of a stabbing. Mrs Forgie was taken to Lewisham Hospital but died later the same day.

News Shopper reported yesterday that neighbours were “disturbed” and considering moving after the attack in the normally “quiet” residential area.

Lewisham’s borough commander today moved to reassure them saying the “tragic” incident was not a reflection of Lewisham life as a whole and extra patrols are being carried out for residents to raise any concerns.

Lewisham Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Russell Nyman said: "We are aware that an incident such as this is devastating for the immediate family affected and can bring a sense of shock and fear to those who live in the area.

“It is tragic and we cannot lose sight of that and we seek to reassure residents that it is still a safe area.

“Reassurance patrols are being carried out by the local Safer Neighbourhoods Team and if residents do have concerns they should not hesitate to make contact with us.

"This incident is in no way a reflection of the area or life in Lewisham Borough as a whole."

A post-mortem investigation was held at Greenwich mortuary yesterday and gave the cause of death as multiple stab wounds.

Detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command are investigating.

Click here to read News Shopper's report yesterday about worried neighbours.