Croydon murder: Boy stabbed to death at London railway station during rush hour

Police probe fatal attack outside ‘very busy’ station in Croydon

A murder investigation is under way after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed during rush hour at a London railway station.

Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) and the Metropolitan Police scrambled to East Croydon station at 4.45pm on Monday following a report of a stabbing.

Two ambulances, two paramedics in response cars, an advanced paramedic practitioner, an incident response officer and London's Air Ambulance were sent to the location.

But despite medics' best efforts, the young man was pronounced dead at the scene, said a spokeswoman from the London Ambulance Service.

The victim has not yet been formally identified but British Transport Police (BTP) named him as Louis Johnson. The force said the teenager's family had been informed and were being supported by specialist liaison officers.

No arrests have been made.

Detective chief inspector Sam Blackburn: "“This was a senseless killing at an extremely busy time of the day, and my thoughts are with Louis’s family at this painfully difficult time.

“For such a young man to lose his life in these circumstances is truly devastating, and I would like to reassure everyone that a thorough investigation is well underway.

“With that in mind, we continue to appeal for anyone with information to get in touch as a matter of urgency. The incident was over within a matter of 40 seconds, but I know many other passengers or members of the public would have seen what happened. If you have not already spoken with police, please get in touch.

“Importantly, if you have any mobile phone or dashcam footage of the East Croydon area either just before, during or after the attack – we want to hear from you.”

A cordon is still in place near to Ruskin Square while enquiries continue.

He said teams from BTP and the Met Police will be increasing patrols in the East Croydon area throughout the evening and Section 60 stop and search powers have been authorised for the borough.

Rail services and Tramlink into East Croydon were not disrupted by the incident and continue to run as normal.

Police are urging witnesses with information on the incident to come forward.

Press Association