Family of girl, 15, stabbed to death in Croydon rushed to scene but 'did not make it in time before she died'

27 September 2023, 16:53 | Updated: 28 September 2023, 09:44

Read the latest: Pictured: Hero schoolgirl, 15, stabbed to death in Croydon 'when she stepped in to protect her friend'

A girl, 15, was stabbed to death in Croydon on Wednesday morning
A girl, 15, was stabbed to death in Croydon on Wednesday morning. Picture: Getty
Kieran Kelly

By Kieran Kelly

The family of a girl who was stabbed to death in Croydon rushed to the scene but 'could not make it in time'.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The school girl, 15, was presented with a bunch of flowers, before a row broke out, and she was later attacked, LBC understands.

It is understood the attack happened while she was on the bus to her school, Old Palace School.

James, a support worker at the time, says her family was called to the scene but did not make it time.

"I got a phone call from the police and came down, and it was here I spoke to the family," he said.

"They received a call to come to the scene shortly after the incident happened. Unfortunately they (were not) able to arrive in time (before she died.)"

A vigil will be held for the teenage girl later this evening at the Croydon Minster.

They said: "We pray for the pupil, her parents, family, and friends, and for peace in our town and borough."

A girl, 15, was stabbed to death in Croydon on Wednesday
A girl, 15, was stabbed to death in Croydon on Wednesday. Picture: Getty

Donna Murray-Turner, of community group Another Night of Sisterhood, told the Mirror: “Words like devastated and disbeliefs and shock are not enough.

“Imagine you got a phone call asking where you where you are, are you by yourself, get on transportation, then to find out that your child is gone. How would anyone feel?”

Read More: Police and paramedics surround Croydon bus amid reports 'a schoolgirl' has been 'stabbed'

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “The senseless murder of a 15-year-old girl on her way to school is impossible to comprehend.

“It was moving and humbling to meet many members of the exceptional Croydon community who have come together in support of a family now dealing with the most unimaginable grief.

“The commitment of so many from the local community is inspiring. A powerful partnership between charitable groups, faith and community leaders, the local authority, the wider public and our officers has delivered so much work across the borough.

"They have collectively saved many lives from knife crime. Many are shocked and hurting. They care deeply and it’s this passion which has made Croydon a safer place and will continue to in the future.

“I spoke to officers who, with members of the public, were among the first on scene with colleagues trying to save this young girl’s life and have since supported her family and friends.

"Through diligent work by them all an early arrest was made and our major crime team now continue to investigate the events leading up to this awful attack.”

Read More: Girl, 15, stabbed to death in Croydon after teenage boy 'tried to give her flowers' on bus

The Metropolitan Police said a teenager had been arrested at around 9.45am in the Croydon area.

“At this early stage we believe that he may have known her,” police said.

The girl is thought to have been offered flowers before an attack
The girl is thought to have been offered flowers before an attack. Picture: Getty
The victim's family were called to the scene, but they did not make it in time before she died
The victim's family were called to the scene, but they did not make it in time before she died. Picture: Getty

Jason Perry, the Mayor of Croydon, said he was "devastated" by the news, and said his team's thoughts were with the victim's family and friends.

He confirmed that a suspect, who is believed to have known the victim, has been arrested and is being questioned by police.

"I would like to thank all those who responded so quickly and professionally to the incident," he said.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Gunner Beck

Women in Army subjected to 'disgusting' comments from male colleagues amid misogynistic culture, inquest hears

Breaking
Toronto Pearson International Airport has said it is aware of an incident involving a Delta Airlines plane

Emergency crews responding to plane crash in Toronto as several injured

Paula Miluska had started working from home in November 2022 due to her pregnancy illness

Woman awarded £93k payout after boss fires her for morning sickness by sending jazz hands emoji

Keir Starmer leaves an informal summit of European leaders to discuss the situation in Ukraine and European security at the Elysee Palace in Paris

Britain must take a ‘leading responsibility’ for peace in Ukraine, says PM as he calls for US ‘security guarantee’

Andrew Tate is facing allegations of trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering

Trump team 'pressuring Romania to lift restrictions on Andrew Tate'

Skyrora, a rocket company with its headquarters in Edinburgh

Scottish company promises to blast rockets into space from 2026

A petition calling for major driving licence changes has received almost 100,000 signatures

Petition calls for ban on newly-qualified drivers carrying passengers under 25

The Princess of Wales has shares portraits drawn by her three children during the half-term break.

Princess of Wales shares heartwarming portraits drawn by George, Charlotte and Louis - but who drew who?

Double Olympic champion and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas will retire from cycling this year.

Tour de France winner and double Olympic champion Geraint Thomas to retire from cycling at end of season

A 13-year-old boy has died and five others have been arrested following  a car crash on A672 Oldham Road.

Boy, 13, dies and five others arrested as Vauxhall Corsa spins off road in horror car crash

Lisa Smith, 43, was named by Kent Police

Pictured: Mother-of-two shot dead at pub on Valentine's Day - as police search river Thames for partner

Julia Wandelt who has claimed to be Madeleine McCann

Woman who claims to be Madeleine McCann releases bombshell new DNA test results

Pope Francis will need to remain in hospital with a respiratory tract infection

Pope to remain in hospital with infection as doctors tackle 'complex clinical picture'

One lucky punter scooped £65m on the EuroMillions

Lucky UK ticket-holder claims £65m Valentine's Day EuroMillions jackpot

A life-drawing class that has been running for over 30 years has been told its models must cover-up or find a new venue.

Models at life drawing class in posh London neighbourhood told to cover up over child 'safeguarding' concerns

Exclusive
An investigation by LBC can reveal there are more than 1.1m homes sitting empty across England - the equivalent of one in every 23.

More than 1.1m homes sitting empty across England as thousands left at risk of homelessness