Manhunt underway for 'knifeman' after schoolboy, 14, stabbed to death on bus in southeast London

7 January 2025, 16:33 | Updated: 7 January 2025, 23:11

A teenage boy has been killed after being stabbed on a bus in South East London.

The 14-year-old boy was fatally stabbed on the 472 bus in Woolwich, South East London.

Police have launched an investigation but no arrests have been made at this time

A Metropolitan Police statement read: “An investigation has been launched after the fatal stabbing of a teenage boy on a bus this afternoon.

“Police were called at 14:28hrs on Tuesday, 7 January to reports of a stabbing on a bus in Woolwich, SE18.

“The incident occurred on a Route 472 bus on Woolwich Church Road near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.

“Officers attended, along with London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance.

“Paramedics treated a 14-year-old boy at the scene who had received stab wound injuries, but he very sadly died shortly after medics arrived.

“Police cordons and road closures remain in place whilst emergency services carry out enquiries. No arrests have been made at this early stage.

“If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information which may help, they are urged to call police on 101 with ref 3795/07JAN25 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Speaking at the scene, Superintendent Louise Sargent, the borough commander for Woolwich, said: “I am very sad to say that this afternoon a 14-year-old boy has died following an incident in Woolwich.

"Police were called just before 2.30pm to a report of a stabbing on a bus...

"No arrests have been made at this early stage, but we are working at pace to identify and arrest those involved. Police cordons and road closures will remain in place while we continue to carry out enquiries.

"I know this will be a worrying time for everyone here in Woolwich, and all the more so given the very young age of the victim. The community can expect to see an enhanced police presence around the scene and the surrounding area."

A friend of the boy told the Mirror: “That’s my friend. He’s my good friend. I used to see him after school, he didn’t deserve this. He was a nice person. I finished school and my mum told me he got stabbed. He was a very nice person. He was good at football, but I don’t think he was perusing it as a career.”

Speaking after the stabbing, Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: "My thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community in Greenwich following the appalling fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy."

He added: "This heart-breaking violence has absolutely no place in our city. I am in close contact with police leaders - an investigation is underway and local residents will see increased patrols in the local area.

"I urge anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. There is no honour in staying silent."

A young woman whose flat overlooks the scene where a 14-year-old boy was stabbed on a bus in Woolwich on Tuesday afternoon said she is "terrified" to walk home at night.

She said: "It's really worrying because I often go home at night. I'm really scared to be out here."