South Ealing stabbing: Police launch murder investigation after woman, 21, knifed to death in alleyway

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 21-year-old woman was stabbed to death in a west London alleyway.

The woman was found with multiple wounds during an attack at the end of Church Gardens, South Ealing, around 0.10am on Tuesday morning.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A large police cordon is in place around the alley, which has iron bars on one side and borders a park.

Grange Primary School is at the end of the cul-de-sac, which has been closed by police.

Officers are confident they know the woman’s identity and are in the process of informing her next of kin.

A post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.

The Met Police arrested a 20-year-old man and he remains in custody at a west London police station.

Neighbour Yvonne Armstrong claimed that there had been previous police incidents in the park area by the alleyway.

The 81-year-old said: “All I heard last night was the helicopter.

“It’s so sad this has happened to such a young girl.

“Incidents like this have occurred in the past, a girl who got off the train was followed through the park before.

“The area used to not be lit but we asked for lights to be put in and they were.

“We however asked for a camera and they said it was too expensive.”

A 21-year-old woman - who lives in the house closest to where the attack reportedly took place - said the incident had left her “shaken up”.

“The girl was the same age as me and it makes me feel less safe,” she told LondonWorld.

“I feel quite shaken up by this news.

“I don’t walk around that area at night.”

West Area commander Sean Wilson, who polices Ealing, said: “This is a truly shocking incident which will understandably cause significant concern among the local community and Londoners as a whole.

“Violence of any kind, but particularly against women and girls, has a profound impact on communities and this will understandably impact on the confidence of those in the area going about their daily business.

“I want to reassure the Ealing community that a team of specialist homicide detectives have commenced an investigation and they will use their skills and experience to ensure that whoever is responsible is brought to justice.

“My local officers will also be in and around the area in South Ealing; if you have any concerns I would encourage you to approach them and speak to them.

“You can also speak to your local neighbourhood policing team or dial 101.”

Grange School and its nursery and pre-school are all closed today as forensic officers investigate the scene.

The school said in a statement: “Urgent - school is closed today due to a serious incident.”

Cllr Jon Ball, Lib Dem for Ealing Common, added: “Very sad this morning to hear about the murder that took place last night in Robert’s Alley, South Ealing.

“Such a tragedy. Grange School, Grange Nursery and Grange Pre-School are within the police cordon so are closed today.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 77/17May. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.