A WOMAN was stabbed to death outside a train station in broad daylight as cops make an arrest.
Cops were called to Station Way, in Crawley, West Sussex, at around 7.10am after reports of a man and woman fighting.
Sussex Police officers found a woman with stab wounds in a car park near the train station.
Despite paramedics’ best efforts, the victim was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
A 26-year-old man was arrested nearby on suspicion of murder a short time later.
He remains in custody.
An air ambulance car was among the vehicles called to the scene and forensic officers in protective clothing were seen entering and exiting the property.
I was born in Dartford and I have never seen anything like this
Anonymous local
A forensic tent has been set up in the car park near Station Way and a heavy police presence remains in the area.
Local residents reported hearing the sirens of emergency service vehicles.
John Powsey, a father who has lived in the area for 44 years, said: “It does make you think it might not be safe to let the children out.
“It does make you worry.
“It used to be a nice estate but it is getting a bit dangerous now.”
Shaun Green, a taxi driver who has resided in Henderson Drive for five years, said: “I knew it was serious when I saw the forensics here yesterday but we did not know for a while how bad it was.
“We hoped it was not as serious as it looked.
“I have never had any trouble around here. You see it on the news but you never expect it to happen next door.
“It is shocking. Things like this do not happen every day.”
Local resident Chris Carr, who has lived on Henderson Drive for nearly 50 years, said: “This sort of thing does not usually happen on this road, it is normally quiet.
“You just do not expect it.”
“You do not expect this on your doorstep,” added another local, who asked not to be named.
“This is something major. I think the police will be here all day.
“It is more than just a disturbance.”
Speaking of the forensic officers, another resident – who asked not to be named – said: “They have got the blue gloves and white suits on.
“There are around six forensic officers there.
“I’ve never seen so many law cars go down the hill.
“I was born in Dartford and I have never seen anything like this.”
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Police have arrested a man on suspicion of murder following an incident in Crawley this morning.
“Officers were called to Station Way at around 7.10am to a report of an altercation between a man and a woman.
“The area was searched and a woman was found in a car park nearby with stab injuries. She was treated by paramedics, but was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.
“A wider search was launched to locate a suspect, and a 26-year-old man from Crawley was located quickly in Stephenson Road and arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at this time.”
Superintendent Rachel Swinney added: “This is a tragic incident that has seen a young woman lose her life, and we are working hard to understand exactly what has happened.
“Officers were able to swiftly bring a suspect into custody and we are not currently searching for anyone else.
“There will now be an increased police presence in what is a busy area of Crawley as we carry out our enquiries. I would urge anyone with any concerns to please speak to an officer at the scene.
“Similarly, anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Venn.”
It is understood the force is still trying to trace the woman’s family.
Jim Dickson, MP for Dartford, said: “My thoughts are with the victim and all those affected by the tragic incident in Temple Hill.
“I would like to thank the police for their swift response and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact them.”
Cllr Kelly Grehan, Ward councillor for Temple Hill, said she had been made aware of a “very serious incident” and asked people not to speculate on the circumstances.
