Teenage boy arrested after 15-year-old dies in south east London stabbing

5 July 2021, 22:06 | Updated: 6 July 2021, 00:45

A teenager has been arrested after a 15-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in south-east London on Monday evening, police said.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 17:23hrs on Monday, 5 July to reports of a stabbing on Woolwich New Road, SE18.

“Officers attended and found a teenage boy suffering from a stab injury. They immediately provided first aid prior to the arrival of the London Ambulance Service. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 18:08hrs."

Police said the boy's next of kin has been informed, though he is yet to be formally identified.

Officers were subsequently called to a south London hospital after another 15-year-old boy self-presented with a stab wound.

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Police said his injury is not believed to be life-threatening. He has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A section 60 order, which grants police additional stop and search powers, has been authorised for Woolwich Common, Woolwich Riverside and Glyndon wards until 10am on Tuesday.

Superintendent Petra Lazar, of South East BCU, said: "It is shocking and extremely saddening that a teenage boy has lost his life as the result of knife crime.

"My thoughts at this time are with the family of the boy who has died.

"This incident will understandably cause worry and concern to local residents and I would like to reassure them my officers are supporting the murder detectives in every way we can. Increased patrols will be carried out in the area over the next few days."

Witnesses are asked to call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 5748/05Jul. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.