An arrest has yet to be made after a schoolboy was stabbed to death in broad daylight on a South London bus. Police and paramedics raced to the double-decker 472 on Woolwich Church Street at 2.30pm yesterday (Tuesday, January 7), but the 14-year-old died shortly after they arrived.
It is the first fatal stabbing in London this year. There have been no arrests and Woolwich Church Street is still closed.
There appears to be a heavy police presence in the area, with locals tweeting that three are “police helicopters over Woolwich dockyard”. One resident who lives inside the cordoned off area told MailOnline: “This is heart-breaking. I can’t believe this has happened. We have only just started the New Year.
“A 14 year old boy stabbed in broad daylight on a bus. What is the world coming to?” Tributes have now been paid to the 14-year-old.
It is the second stabbing in as many days, after an 18-year-old pupil from nearby Shooters Hill Sixth Form College was left fighting for his life after being knifed on Prince Imperial Road, but is now in a stable condition. Pupils were told to stay at home and the college has closed its doors.
London buses 161, 177, 180, and 472 are on diversion this morning (Wednesday, January 8) after yesterday’s killing. Ten teens were killed in the capital last year, nine of whom were stabbed while one died in a shooting, according to PA figures.
Everything we know
What happened?
Police at the scene in Woolwich, south east London where a 14-year-old boy has been stabbed to death on a Route 472 bus
(Image: Jordana Seal/PA Wire)
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The knifing happened on the double-decker bus on Woolwich Church Street near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.
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The boy died shortly after the emergency services arrived.
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A manhunt is underway.
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Tributes have been paid to the dead teen.
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The road is still closed today and a number of London buses are on diversion, and cops have cordoned off the whole of Mast Quay.
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It is Woolwich’s second stabbing in two days after an 18-year-old from a nearby college was left on life support after being knifed on Monday (January 6). He is now in a stable condition.
The scene today
A local has told MyLondon that the “whole of Mast Quay” has been closed by The Met
(Image: MyLondon)
A local who lives within the police cordon says the “whole of Mast Quay” has been closed. Pictures show officers guarding the cordon, while members of the press gather at the roadside.
The Met’s statement
Met Police Deputy Commander Louise Sargent [not pictured] described the attack as a “horrendous crime”
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Met Police Deputy Commander Louise Sargent described the attack as a “horrendous crime”, and said it was a “worrying time” for local residents.
She told reporters at the scene: “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. 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.”
Sadiq Khan’s statement
London’s Mayor said “this heart-breaking violence has absolutely no place in our city”
(Image: © 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
The 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.
“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.”
Recent nearby crime
The teenager – a pupil at Shooters Hill Sixth Form College – was stabbed in Prince Imperial Way. The college has closed following the horror attack, which left the 18-year-old fighting for their life.
(Image: Google)
Yesterday’s knifing was the second Woolwich stabbing in two days, although police have not said that the two incidents are related. MyLondon has asked the Met Police for more information.
On Monday (Janaury 6) a Year 12 student at Shooters Hill College was left fighting for his life after a stabbing on Prince Imperial Road at around 4.20pm. He is still in a critical condition.
Shooters Hill Sixth Form College will be closed again today (Wednesday, January 8) following the stabbing of a Year 12 pupil on Monday afternoon.
The teenager was left fighting for his life after being stabbed near Woolwich College on Prince Imperial Road at around 4.20pm on Monday. He is in a stable condition.
A message on the college website reads: “College closed to students. Wednesday 8th January 2025. Please see text messages sent to students, parents and carers. Students who have exams should arrive as planned as these will still be going ahead.” Police have not linked the two incidents. You can read more here.
Where does the 472 bus run to and from?
The schoolboy was killed after being stabbed on the 472 double-decker bus, which runs across The River Thames
(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
The 472 is a route that cuts across the Thames. It runs North Greenwich Station to Abbey Wood Station, or vice versa depending on your direction.
Road closures
A photo sent to MyLondon shows a police presence this morning (Wednesday, January 8) despite Google Maps and traffic websites suggesting otherwise
(Image: MyLondon)
Pictures seen by MyLondon show Woolwich Church Street as still closed in both directions between Church Hill and A205 South Circular (Woolwich Ferry Roundabout). This is despite Google Maps and traffic website Inrix not showing any suggestions of closures.
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