Maida Vale stabbing: Witness claims driver hit and killed man as he knifed to woman to death

A woman has been stabbed to death and a man killed after being hit by a car in a “serious incident” in Maida Vale.

Scotland Yard have said that “the incident is contained and we do not believe there to be any wider threat to the community”.

One witness claimed a car hit the attacker as he stabbed the woman to death.

Another have-a-go hero Raad Jiyad, 52, also tried to intervene when he heard the woman’s frantic screams.

He was at home near the scene in Chippenham Road, when he heard the woman calling out for help.

He rushed to try and distract the attacker, who was about the same age, and save the victim but it was too late, Mr Jiyad said.

Another man soon arrived in a car and allegedly hit her attacker who later died, according to the shocked witness.

The driver, a 26-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Officers were called at 9am to this morning to a reported stabbing at the junction of Chippenham Road and Elgin Avenue.

Police said a woman, 43, was found at the scene with stab injuries, and officers also found a man, 41, who had been struck by a vehicle.

The pair - who police said knew each other - were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Yard added that the driver was not known to the dead man and woman.

Mr Jiyad described how he tried to save the woman and held her in his arms as she took her last breath.

The witness said: “I was at home when I heard someone crying for help. I saw him stab her four or five times in the chest.

“The woman was screaming, crying for help and was covered in blood.

“I tried to speak to her as she was bleeding and held her as she took her last breath. I have blood on my hand from it.

“She was very young, about 24 or 25, and he was the same age.

“People were asking her what her name was but she did not respond. I do not know her at all.”

Mr Jiyad said “someone arrived in a car who wanted to help her”, who allegedly hit the attacker with his vehicle “to get him to stop”.

“The man who was pushed under the car shouted ‘help, help’. When the police arrived in about 15 minutes came and they took him out,” he added.

Mr Jiyad said he thought the woman and her attacker knew each other, but the car driver did not know them.

Det Ch Insp Neil Smithson said: “This morning an incredibly serious incident has unfolded in the Westminster area which has seen two people pronounced dead.

“Our officers are on scene and are working to establish exactly what has happened.

“As soon as we have more information will keep the public updated but for now we must avoid speculation and allow investigators to do their work.

“What I can say at this time is that the incident is contained and we do not believe there to be any wider threat to the community.

“We have spoken to a number of people already but anyone else who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help us, is urged to make contact immediately.”

Det Ch Insp Jim Eastwood, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “This was a terrible incident that occurred in broad daylight on a busy London street.

“It also appears that a number of members of the public bravely tried to intervene to stop the attack.

“A man has been arrested in relation to the case - we are not aware of any links between this man and the two deceased.

“I can also confirm that we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection to this incident.

“A team of detectives are working to establish the circumstances of the incident and I would ask the public to avoid speculating on what may have happened while these initial enquiries take place.

“A number of people have already come forward, but we are still asking for anyone to make contact with us. Any information could be vital in helping us understand why this dreadful incident happened.”

It is understood Chippenham Road and Elgin Avenue have been closed while detectives try and establish the circumstances of the deaths.

Two vehicles - a Vauxhall and a Renault - were in the cordoned area alongside two London buses and a lorry. Three forensic tents were set up inside the cordon as detectives in forensic gear searched for clues.

Police guarded the cordon as a steam of shocked residents came to look at the scene.

MP Karen Buck said: “Horrific events this morning in Elgin Avenue, which will be devastating for family and friends of those killed and also for the local community.”

Witnesses are asked to call police on 101, ref 1496/24jan. To remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers.