A 15-year-old schoolgirl has been fatally stabbed near a shopping centre in Croydon.
Police and paramedics were called to Wellesley Road at around 8.30am to reports of an attack and said the girl was declared dead at the scene less than an hour later.
Detectives said a male, who is believed to know the victim, has been arrested in connection with the stabbing.
A white tent has been erected near the Whitgift shopping centre while a police cordon containing multiple police cars, ambulances and a number 60 double decker bus has been set up.
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain said: “Our immediate thoughts are with this young girl’s family who are facing the most tragic of news. Our officers are with the girl’s family to support them.
“I am in contact with the local community, who are clearly as concerned as we are about this tragic incident. I shall continue to update them throughout the day.”
For the latest updates follow below
Table of Contents
11:13 AM BST
Croydon Mayor releases statement
Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry said in a statement on Facebook: “I am devastated to hear that the teenage girl who was stabbed in the town centre this morning has tragically died.
“The Council are in touch with the police and will fully support their investigations. Our whole community’s thoughts will be with the victim’s family and friends.
“A suspect, who is believed to have known the victim, has been located and arrested by local police officers, and I would like to thank all those who responded so quickly and professionally to the incident.
“I urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the police on 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
11:11 AM BST
Pictured: Police on the scene in Croydon
Pictures have emerged of police at the scene in Croydon where a girl was fatally stabbed on Wednesday.
10:44 AM BST
Ambulance statement
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called today (27 September) at 8:33am to reports of an incident on Wellesley Road, Croydon.
“We sent a number of resources to the scene, including three ambulance crews, an incident response officer, and an advanced paramedic in a car. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance.
“We treated a teenager, but very sadly, despite our best efforts, she died at the scene.”
10:42 AM BST
Detectives confirm arrest
Detectives confirmed a man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing.
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain said: “Our immediate thoughts are with this young girl’s family who are facing the most tragic of news. Our officers are with the girl’s family to support them.
“I am in contact with the local community, who are clearly as concerned as we are about this tragic incident. I shall continue to update them throughout the day.
“My officers were immediately on scene to provide first aid and support paramedics.
“Acting on information provided to them, officers also worked closely with colleagues from across the Met and the British Transport Police to track a teenager in connection with the stabbing. I can confirm that an arrest was made at about 09:45hrs in the Croydon area. At this early stage we believe that he may have known her.
“A crime scene will be in place for some time, and I am grateful for the cooperation of residents.”
10:37 AM BST
Schoolgirl fatally stabbed in Croydon
A 15-year-old schoolgirl has been fatally stabbed in Croydon.
Police were called to reports of an attack near the Whitgift shopping centre on Wednesday. Footage taken at the scene shows multiple police cars and ambulances at a cordon on Wellesley Road.
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email [email protected] Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
