London bus stabbing: 14-year-old boy killed, police seek witnesses

• A murder investigation has begun after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death on a bus in London.
• The police have cordoned the area and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
• This follows another stabbing of an 18-year-old near Shooters Hill Sixth Form College the previous day.

A murder investigation has begun after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death on a bus in Woolwich, southeast London.

The incident happened on a 472 bus in Woolwich Church Rd, near the junction with the A205 South Circular Rd, just before 2.30pm local time, the Metropolitan Police said.

Paramedics treated a 14-year-old boy who had received stab injuries, but he died at the scene.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said cordons and road closures were in place, and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

A murder investigation has begun after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death on a bus in south-east London. Photo / Getty Images

The spokesman added: “Police were called at 2.28pm on Tuesday, January 7 to reports of a stabbing on a bus in Woolwich, SE18.

“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 very sadly died shortly after medics arrived.”

After the stabbing Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, 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 added: “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.”

It comes a day after a Year 12 pupil was stabbed in Prince Imperial Way, just over 1.6 km away. The 18-year-old was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after being stabbed at about 4.20pm local time on Monday.

The incident forced the temporary closure of Shooters Hill Sixth Form College, close to the scene, where the victim was a student.