A teenager has died after he was stabbed in a London bus today.
The boy was travelling on the bus route 472 in Woolwich, southeast London, when he was attacked.
The emergency services rushed to the scene at about 2.28pm today after reports of a stabbing in the area.
The incident unfolded on the 472 bus on Woolwich Church Road near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.
Paramedic crews found a 14-year-old boy at the scene with stab wounds.
Despite their best efforts, the boy died shortly after the crews from the London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance had arrived.
Deputy Commander Louise Sargent described the attack as a ‘horrendous crime’, and said it was a ‘worrying time’ for local residents.
Speaking at the scene, she said: ‘I’m very sad to say that this afternoon a 14-year-old boy has died. The initial alert was raised by a local officer out on patrol.
‘Paramedics treated a 14-year-old boy at the scene who had received stab wounds, but really sadly, he died shortly after medics arrived.
‘Our thoughts at this time are with the victim’s family and friends.
‘This is a horrendous crime, and I can’t imagine what they must be going through right now.
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‘We are working at pace to identify and arrest those involved.
‘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 road remains cordoned off and an investigation has been launched.
No arrests have been made yet, the police said.
One eyewitness reported seeing what appeared to be ‘like body bags’ from his balcony near Woolwich Church Street after the stabbing.
He said he was alerted to the incident after seeing a neighbour on his balcony looking at the street.
He told Metro: ‘That’s when I noticed police and ambulances surrounding the bus. A very sad incident, and having this outside my door is just a reminder of how lawless the UK is becoming.’
He added that there is ‘no respect for life anymore’.
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.
‘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.’
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