The shocking attack has left the community in mourning and caused significant disruption as police investigate the crime.
Fatal attack on route 472 bus leaves boy dead at the scene
Police were called at 2.28pm after reports of a stabbing on Woolwich Church Street near the junction with the A205 South Circular.
Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, arrived at the scene, but the teenager died shortly after medics arrived.
A local officer on patrol raised the initial alert.
Police cordons were quickly established, and investigations are ongoing as officers work to piece together the events that led to the attack.
No arrests have been made so far.
Major roads blocked as police carry out investigations into the stabbing
The stabbing has caused widespread travel disruption, with Woolwich Church Street closed in both directions between Church Hill and the A205 South Circular.
The Woolwich Ferry Roundabout, a critical junction for traffic heading to and from the ferry terminal, remains shut as police continue their work.
Highway maintenance teams are working alongside officers to redirect traffic, but delays and long queues have been reported in the area.
Four key bus routes—161, 177, 180, and 472—have been diverted, leaving commuters facing disruptions to their journeys.
Transport for London (TfL) is advising passengers to check the TfL website or TfL Go app for live updates and plan alternative routes.
TfL pledges support for police investigation and offers assistance to affected staff
Transport for London has confirmed its full cooperation with the police investigation, providing CCTV footage from buses in the area, including the Route 472 where the stabbing took place.
Rosie Trew, TfL’s Head of Bus Service Delivery, expressed condolences to the victim’s family and friends and confirmed that staff affected by the incident are receiving support.
TfL has also reminded the public of the availability of its Sarah Hope Line, a confidential support service for anyone affected by traumatic incidents on the transport network.
The service provides emotional and practical assistance for victims and their families.
Police appeal for witnesses as investigation continues
The Metropolitan Police have made an urgent appeal for witnesses or anyone with information about the stabbing to come forward.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident or has relevant details to contact them on 101, referencing case 3795/07JAN25.
Anonymous tips can also be provided via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Deputy Commander Louise Sargent called the incident a “horrendous crime” and expressed condolences to the boy’s family.
She reassured residents that police are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Community reacts to another violent incident in Woolwich The attack has sent shockwaves through the Woolwich community.
A young woman whose flat overlooks the scene where a 14-year-old boy was stabbed on a bus in Woolwich on Tuesday afternoon said she is “terrified” to walk home at night.
She said: “It’s really worrying because I often go home at night. I’m really scared to be out here.”
Increased police patrols have been deployed in the area to provide reassurance to residents.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan described the stabbing as “heart-breaking” and condemned the violence, saying it has no place in the city.
He urged anyone with information to come forward, stressing the importance of breaking the silence around violent crime.
Second stabbing in two days raises safety concerns for residents
The fatal stabbing comes just a day after an unrelated knife attack on January 6, when an 18-year-old student was stabbed on Prince Imperial Road in Woolwich.
Police have confirmed there is no connection between the two incidents, but the close timing has heightened concerns about safety in the area.