Police launch murder probe after teen fatally stabbed in Edgeware Road
BY YANN TEAR
yann@slpmedia.co.uk
A murder investigation has been launched after a teenager was fatally stabbed.
Police were called to Edgware Road, close to the tube station near to the junction with Church Street, Paddington, shortly before 2pm on Tuesday, following reports of a stabbing.
Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a male aged 17 suffering from stab injuries.
He was taken to hospital, but died at around 7.30pm. His family have been informed. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course. Formal identification awaits.
Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command have been informed and will be working with police in Westminster, who continue their work at the crime scene.
At this early stage, there have been no arrests and enquiries into the circumstances continue.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “This awful attack took place in broad daylight in a busy part of central London.
“A teenager with his whole life ahead of him has been taken away from his family who have been left heartbroken.
“We know that lots of people were in the area at the time and may well have seen what unfolded.
We need them to do the right thing and get in touch right away with what they saw, along with any images or moving footage captured before, during or after the attack.
“There is a college nearby and many young people would have been on their break. We are keen to hear from anyone with information that can help us build a clearer picture of what took place and bring those involved to justice.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 3755/10Sept or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.
Superintendent Andy Britain said: “We are horrified by this attack and will be doing everything in our power to apprehend those behind this appalling crime.
“I want to reassure the residents and communities of Westminster that our officers are working with partners to do all we can to prevent such tragic attacks and are determined day and night to apprehend those involved and take weapons off the streets.
“Our local policing teams are working with the Violent Crime Taskforce, Specialist Crime Command and other specialist resources, as well as with our local partners to help keep London safe.
“Those near crime scenes can expect an enhanced policing presence in their area in the coming days.
Officers will be on hand to listen to any concerns they have and continue to appeal for those with information to come forward.”
A Section 60 order was authorised for the area – allowing for stop and search – until the early hours of Wednesday morning.
If you have information about this incident, or information about someone you suspect to be carrying a weapon and you do not want to speak to police, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers or visit their website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
It is 100 per cent anonymous. They never ask your name and cannot trace your call or IP address.
If you suspect someone is involved in knife crime, or you want assistance yourself, visit www.knifefree.co.uk or #LondonNeedsYouAlive.
If you have information about violence or knife crime visit www.fearless.org.