Statement from Supt Louise Sargent following fatal stabbing in Woolwich

Statement from Superintendent Louise Sargent, the Deputy Commander for the South East BCU which covers the Woolwich area.:

"I am very sad to say that this afternoon a 14-year-old boy has died following an incident in Woolwich.

"Police were called at just before 2.30pm to reports of a stabbing on a bus.

"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 Air Ambulance. The initial alert was raised by a local officer out on patrol.

"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.

"No arrests have been made at this early stage, but we are working at pace to identify and arrest those involved.

"Police cordons and road closures will remain in place while we continue to carry out enquiries.

"I know this will be a worrying time for everyone here in Woolwich, and all the more so given the very young age of the victim.

"The community can expect to see an enhanced police presence around the scene and the surrounding area.

"I would urge anyone who witnessed this horrific incident or has any information which might help, to call police on 101 with ref 3795/07JAN25 or call Crimestoppers anonymously."