Man stabbed to death at east London rail station

A middle-aged man was stabbed to death yesterday during a suspected robbery at a railway station.

A middle-aged man was stabbed to death yesterday during a suspected robbery at a railway station.

The man, described as white, in his 50s and wearing a grey suit and white shirt, was attacked at Wood Street station in Walthamstow, east London, just after midnight. He staggered down a flight of stairs where he collapsed and was discovered by two 16-year-old girls.

The man was carrying no identification and police believe his wallet was probably stolen by his killer. He was able to tell paramedics that his name was John before losing consciousness and being rushed to Whipps Cross hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The man was stabbed a few minutes after the last service from Liverpool Street called at the station. Detectives were searching the four-carriage train yesterday, as well as a stretch of trackand a nearby block of flats.

They also appealed for witnesses to the incident or anybody who may know the victim. A police spokesman said: "At this stage we don't know whether his possessions have been taken or whether he just had no ID on him.

"We're also not sure whether the attack took place inside the station or if it took place outside and he was seeking refuge. We need to find out who he is. It may be that someone ... would have expected him home."

The station and Wood Street itself remained closed yesterday as police searched for clues.