Crime scene: officers were quick to attend the stabbing on Wellesley Road, but despite attention by paramedics were unable to save the girl’s life
A 15-year-old girl was stabbed and killed while travelling to school this morning.
Police were called at about 8.30am, and office workers nearby looked on in horror and disbelief as squad cars, Met vans and ambulances arrived at the scene on Wellesley Road in central Croydon, close to the entrance to the Whitgift Centre.
Early and unconfirmed reports suggest that the girl was stabbed in the neck.
The Metropolitan Police say that they have made an arrest. The suspect, a male teenager, is believed to have been known to the victim.
The Metropolitan Police said it had worked with British Transport Police to “track” the teenager.
A police helicopter continued to patrol the area above the town centre for more than two hours after the incident was called in.
Fast response: Wellesley Road was quickly filled with police and ambulance vehicles
Croydon’s Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, said: “Our immediate thoughts are with this young girl’s family who are facing the most tragic of news. Our officers are with the girl’s family to support them.”
Brittain said that the community “are clearly as concerned as we are about this tragic incident”.
He said: “My officers were immediately on scene to provide first aid and support paramedics.
“Acting on information provided to them, officers also worked closely with colleagues from across the Met and the British Transport Police to track a teenager in connection with the stabbing. I can confirm that an arrest was made at about 09:45hrs in the Croydon area. At this early stage we believe that he may have known her.
“A crime scene will be in place for some time, and I am grateful for the cooperation of residents.”
- Anyone who witnessed the attack or has information that can help officers is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 1601/27Sep. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- UPDATE: This article was amended at 12pm to clarify the location of the knife attack.
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