Croydon stabbing: Police appeal for footage and images after London schoolgirl killed

The Met Police is appealing for footage and images that could help its investigation after a girl was fatally stabbed on the bus to school on Wednesday morning (August 27).

The 15-year-old died after suffering a stab wound to the heart on the bus in Wellesley Road, while she was on her way to Old Palace of John Whitgift independent girls’ school.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in custody.

An online portal launched by the Met allows members of the public to submit information, video and images that could help detectives.

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain said on Wednesday: "This is every parent's worst nightmare and I know the officers who responded this morning - along with our emergency service colleagues - are devastated at the victim's death.

"This is an emotion I share - and I know people across Croydon will be feeling the same."

Police were called to the scene at shortly after 8.30am on Wednesday, with officers on the scene within two minutes.

They provided first aid, along with London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance paramedics, but the girl died at the scene.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested just over an hour later in New Addington. Police say they believe the suspect knew the victim.

Chief Superintendent Brittain said: "We will continue to work with our community contacts over the coming days and weeks to ensure those directly affected get the right support - and to ensure the wider community can come together and grieve.

"I know there will still be many questions about what happened here today. Our specialist team of homicide detectives will be working to find those answers and we’ll update you as the investigation continues."

Donna Murray Turner, safer neighbourhood chair in Croydon, said: "The impact this has had on the community is immense. It is devastating that another young life has been taken and we the community stand with our partners and the family in honouring that grief and that mourning."

Croydon Central MP Sarah Jones said: "I'm heartbroken that a child in my town has been killed on her way to school and I cannot imagine the grief that her family will be going through at this time. I want to thank the police and the ambulance service for trying so hard to save her life. They run into danger and I know they will also be suffering today."

Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon, said: "I think it's fair to say that we all personally feel devastated by the events that have happened in Croydon this morning and that tragic loss of such a young life. The community are feeling that hurt right now and we will do everything we can to support them."

In a statement, Old Palace of John Whitgift School said: “We are deeply shocked by the senseless and tragic death of our much-loved and valued friend and pupil.

“It will take some time for the Old Palace community to come to terms with this terrible news, and we will offer support to our pupils as we try to do so.

“Above all, we send our love and deepest sympathies to the girl’s family at this unimaginably distressing time.”

Anyone who witnessed what happened who has not yet spoken to police can call 101 quoting CAD 1601/27Sep.

The online portal for information, photos and videos can be found on a police website.