Schoolboy stabbed to death in front of terrified passengers on busy London bus

A schoolboy was stabbed to death in front of terrified passengers on a busy London bus yesterday afternoon.

The 14-year-old was travelling on a double-decker in Woolwich when he was targeted in the latest knife attack to hit the capital.

The killer then fled, leaving the youngster – who has not yet been named – bleeding heavily. A passing police officer raised the alarm at around 2.30pm, and paramedics and the air ambulance rushed to the number 472 bus, close to the Woolwich ferry terminal in south-east London. But they were unable to save the teenager, who died a short time later.

No arrests have been made and police have not released a description of the killer.

Superintendent Louise Sergeant said: ‘Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends. This is a horrendous crime – I can’t imagine what they must be going through right now. We are working at pace to identify and arrest those involved.’

Mobile phone footage taken from a nearby block of flats showed paramedics placing a blanket over the victim as a crowd gathered at the scene.

Local residents told of their shock at the death. Shula Murray said: ‘I can’t believe that a boy was stabbed to death on the bus. Is it too dangerous to go on the bus now?’A young woman whose flat overlooks the scene said: ‘It’s really worrying. I’m really scared to be out here.’

The bus death was the second knife attack in the same postcode within 24 hours, although police said they were not linked.

An 18-year-old pupil was stabbed outside Shooters Hill Sixth Form College at 4pm on Monday. The college was closed yesterday while the victim, a Year 12 pupil, remains in hospital where his condition is said to be potentially life-threatening. Last year ten teenagers were killed in London – nine were the victims of stabbings, with the youngest just 14. Although this was down sharply from 21 teenage deaths in the capital in 2023.

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said last night: ‘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 – an investigation is underway and residents will see increased patrols in the area.’

Urging anyone with information to come forward, he added: ‘There is no honour in staying silent.’