Family of girl, 15, stabbed to death in Croydon rushed to scene but 'did not make it in time before she died'
27 September 2023, 16:53 | Updated: 28 September 2023, 09:44
The family of a girl who was stabbed to death in Croydon rushed to the scene but 'could not make it in time'.
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The school girl, 15, was presented with a bunch of flowers, before a row broke out, and she was later attacked, LBC understands.
It is understood the attack happened while she was on the bus to her school, Old Palace School.
James, a support worker at the time, says her family was called to the scene but did not make it time.
"I got a phone call from the police and came down, and it was here I spoke to the family," he said.
"They received a call to come to the scene shortly after the incident happened. Unfortunately they (were not) able to arrive in time (before she died.)"
A vigil will be held for the teenage girl later this evening at the Croydon Minster.
They said: "We pray for the pupil, her parents, family, and friends, and for peace in our town and borough."
Donna Murray-Turner, of community group Another Night of Sisterhood, told the Mirror: “Words like devastated and disbeliefs and shock are not enough.
“Imagine you got a phone call asking where you where you are, are you by yourself, get on transportation, then to find out that your child is gone. How would anyone feel?”
Read More: Police and paramedics surround Croydon bus amid reports 'a schoolgirl' has been 'stabbed'
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “The senseless murder of a 15-year-old girl on her way to school is impossible to comprehend.
“It was moving and humbling to meet many members of the exceptional Croydon community who have come together in support of a family now dealing with the most unimaginable grief.
“The commitment of so many from the local community is inspiring. A powerful partnership between charitable groups, faith and community leaders, the local authority, the wider public and our officers has delivered so much work across the borough.
"They have collectively saved many lives from knife crime. Many are shocked and hurting. They care deeply and it’s this passion which has made Croydon a safer place and will continue to in the future.
“I spoke to officers who, with members of the public, were among the first on scene with colleagues trying to save this young girl’s life and have since supported her family and friends.
"Through diligent work by them all an early arrest was made and our major crime team now continue to investigate the events leading up to this awful attack.”
Read More: Girl, 15, stabbed to death in Croydon after teenage boy 'tried to give her flowers' on bus
The Metropolitan Police said a teenager had been arrested at around 9.45am in the Croydon area.
“At this early stage we believe that he may have known her,” police said.
Jason Perry, the Mayor of Croydon, said he was "devastated" by the news, and said his team's thoughts were with the victim's family and friends.
He confirmed that a suspect, who is believed to have known the victim, has been arrested and is being questioned by police.
"I would like to thank all those who responded so quickly and professionally to the incident," he said.
