Police are conducting a murder investigation after a 15-year-old schoolgirl was fatally stabbed at a bus stop in Croydon, south London. The incident occurred as she was traveling from home to school. Footage shared on social media showed multiple police cars and ambulances near a stationary bus in the center of Croydon on Wednesday morning. It is unclear if the girl was waiting at the bus stop or if her attacker followed her off the bus. A teenage boy who was known to the victim has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain expressed sympathy for the girl’s family and assured them of ongoing support from the officers. He also stated that he would keep the local community updated throughout the day. Emergency services responded to the scene on Wellesley Road in Croydon at 8:30 a.m. after reports of a stabbing. Despite efforts by a bus driver and a passer-by to administer first aid, she was pronounced dead at 9:20 a.m.
The arrested boy, whose identity has not been disclosed, was later taken into custody on suspicion of murder. As a result of the incident, a significant portion of Croydon’s center was cordoned off during the morning rush hour. A forensic tent was erected outside the Whitgift Centre shopping mall within the police cordon. Ch. Supt. Brittain mentioned that officers provided first aid and also collaborated with the British Transport Police to locate the teenager connected to the stabbing. He added that they believe the victim and the arrested boy may have known each other.
James Watkins, from the organization Mainz World, was present with the girl’s family at the time of her death. He described the family as devastated and in a state of shock. The girl attended Old Palace of John Whitgift School, and the school released a statement expressing deep shock and sadness over the loss of their beloved friend and pupil. They pledged to offer support to their students during this difficult time and conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the girl’s family.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his sorrow and offered thoughts and prayers to the girl’s family, friends, and the entire community. He mentioned that an arrest had been made in connection with the incident and that he was in close contact with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner. Although Croydon has experienced riots in the past and has a presence of street gangs, this particular incident is not believed to be gang-related. Incidents of violence against teenage girls in London are relatively rare.
The article also highlights previous cases of violence against teenage girls in London, such as the stabbing death of Julie Sheriff in 2011 and the shooting of Mohanna Abdhou in 2017. The murder of Mohanna Abdhou remains unresolved. The report concludes by acknowledging the contribution of PA Media to the information provided.