Police hunt killer after schoolboy, 14, stabbed to death on bus in Woolwich

Police were called to the ‘horrendous’ stabbing on the 472 bus in Woolwich Church Road on Tuesday afternoon

A police manhunt is underway after a 14-year-old schoolboy was stabbed to death on a bus in southeast London.

The teenager was treated at the scene in Woolwich but died soon after medics arrived, the Met Police said. He was on the 472 bus in Woolwich Church Road, near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.

Police were called at 2.28pm on Tuesday and no arrests have yet been made.

Deputy Commander Louise Sargent said: “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. We are working at pace to identify and arrest those involved.”

(PA)

Speaking after the attack, a young woman whose flat overlooks the scene said she was “terrified” to walk home at night.

She said: “It’s really worrying because I often go home at night. I’m really scared to be out here.”

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.

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.

“I urge anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. There is no honour in staying silent.”

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 the latest data.

This was down sharply from 21 teenage deaths in the capital in 2023.

The youngest victim in 2024 was aged 14.