GRIM ATTACK
Schoolboy, 14, stabbed to death on bus in broad-daylight horror as manhunt launched for killer
Cops have urged witnesses with any information to come forward
A SCHOOLBOY has been stabbed to death in broad daylight on a bus with cops launching a desperate manhunt to find his attacker.
Police and paramedics rushed to the double-decker bus in Woolwich, south-east London, at around 2.30pm today.
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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 sadly died soon after.
Police cordons and road closures remain in place whilst emergency services carry out enquiries.
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No arrests have yet been made.
One resident who lives inside the cordoned off area told : "This is heartbreaking.
"I can't believe this has happened. We have only just started the New Year.
"A 14 year old boy stabbed in broad daylight on a bus. What is the world coming to?"
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POLICE BRIEFING
Superintendent Louise Sergent said during a press briefing this evening: "We are working at pace to arrest the person involved."
She added: "I would urge anyone who witnessed this horrific incident or has any information which might help to call police."
Ms Sergeant described how the initial alert was made by a local police officer out on patrol.
She added: "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."
Those who witnessed the incident or have any information which may help, they are urged to call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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 said: "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."
Mark Rodney, chief executive officer of Project Lifeline, a community interest charity, said the death of a 14-year-old boy who was stabbed on a bus in Woolwich on Tuesday afternoon was "devastating".
He said: "It's another devastating blow to the community. Young people are being let down."
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, MP for Greenwich and Woolwich tweeted: “Deeply saddened that another young life has been lost in our community today following a stabbing in Woolwich.
"My thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased. I urge anyone with information to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (Ref: 3795/07JAN25).”
Local councillor Anthony Okereke tweeted: “ I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic murder of a young person in our borough. My thoughts & heartfelt condolences are with their family as they face this unimaginable loss.
“It’s deeply troubling & heartbreaking.”
Councillor Matt Hartley, Conservative leader at the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “Horrendous news of this murder today on the 472 bus in Woolwich - my thoughts are with the victim’s family & everyone impacted by this senseless loss of a young life.”
An earlier police statement said: "An investigation has been launched after the fatal stabbing of a teenage boy on a bus this afternoon.
"Police were called at 2.28pm on Tuesday, January 7 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."
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson added: "We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer and a paramedic from our tactical response unit.
"We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance.
"Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, a teenager was pronounced dead at the scene."
A woman working at a nearby church said she saw an air ambulance and other emergency service vehicles arrive at the scene, but did not see any of the passengers from the bus.
The incident comes the day after an 18-year-old man was stabbed near a school in the same area of London.
Police were called to the scene at around 4.20pm on Prince Imperial Road, Woolwich.
The man has been taken to hospital where he remains in a potentially life-threatening condition.
Police do not currently believe the two attacks are linked.
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Some 10 teenagers were killed in London last year, nine of whom were the victims of stabbing while one died in a shooting, according to data compiled by the PA news agency.
This was down sharply from 21 teenage deaths in the capital in 2023.
The youngest victim in 2024 was aged 14.
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