East Croydon stabbing: Man dies after 'shocking' stabbing at busy train station

27 January 2020, 19:07

By Nick Hardinges

@NHardinges

A man has died following a "shocking" stabbing near a busy south London train station.

Police rushed to East Croydon station at 4:45pm on Monday evening following reports of a stabbing.

Despite the efforts of medical teams, including an air ambulance, the young man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A police cordon has been erected around the scene near Ruskin Square, with at least four police cars spotted nearby.

No arrests have yet been made but police will be increasing their patrols in the area.

The victim's age is currently not known as his family have not yet been informed.

Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams, of BTP, said: “Clearly this was a deeply shocking incident, outside a very busy transport hub in Croydon. Tragically, a young man has lost his life tonight and I know this will be heart-breaking news for his family.

"We have now launched a murder enquiry and I am urgently appealing for any witnesses to get in touch. We believe the assault happened near the back entrance to East Croydon station near Ruskin Square, shortly after 4.30pm. 

“If you were in the area and witnessed any altercation, please contact us as soon as possible. 

“Alongside the Met, throughout the evening, we’ll be increasing our patrols in the East Croydon area and we have authorised additional Section 60 Stop and Search powers.”

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: We're currently on scene at East Croydon station following a report of a stabbing.

"A cordon is in place while officers and paramedics respond.

"At this time, rail services are not disrupted. We'll share more information shortly."

A spokesperson for Southern Rail UK said they would not be able to disclose any further details.

"Due to the nature of the incident, we will not be publishing information at this time," they wrote on Twitter.

London Ambulance Service also released a statement, saying: "We were called to an incident at East Croydon Railway station today (Monday January 27) at 4.34pm.

"We have sent a number of resources including two ambulances, a medic in a response car, an advanced paramedic, an incident response officer.

"We have also sent London’s Air ambulance.

"Crews remain on scene."

Rail services and the TramLink into East Croydon are not disrupted at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 395 of 27/01/2020.

Otherwise, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.