‘It’s scary’: Croydon community ‘devastated’ after 15-year-old girl stabbed to death

By Claudia Lee and James Twomey

A community has been left “devastated” after a 15-year-old girl was stabbed to death this morning, reportedly on her way to school.

Residents and people who work nearby have gathered next to the Whitgift shopping centre in Wellesley Road, Croydon, to pay their respects to the girl who was killed there at around 8.30am.

Met officers, the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance all attended the scene. Despite their efforts, the girl died at the scene at around 9.20am.

A teenage boy has since been arrested in the Croydon area, the Met have confirmed. Police said it was thought the pair may have known each other and it has been reported they were in a romantic relationship.

Donna Murray-Turner, 50, works with Anthony King campaigning against knife crime and supporting young people said at the scene. She said: “It’s devastating. There are not enough services for young girls out there. There is not enough support.”

It has been confirmed the girl was a pupil at the Old Palace of John Whitgift School in Old Palace Road, Croydon.

A spokeswoman for the £16,000 per year private 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.”

A woman who works near to where the incident took place and wished not to be named said: “My friend was on the bus, she saw the whole thing.

“I have three daughters. I cannot imagine how it feels to be told this news.

“It’s scary. That person who did this is wicked. There was no way this girl could have survived.”

Forensics officers, police cars and a large number of police officers are currently at the scene. Officers with sniffer dogs are scouring the area for evidence.

The manager of a nearby hotel, who also wished to remain anonymous, said she saw a commotion outside early this morning.

She said: “My colleague was finishing her shift and it all happened as she was leaving.

“She ran out with towels and she came back in shock. She had seen a lot of blood.”

A man who had come to the scene said he worked in the office across the road. He said: “I heard screaming and looked out the window and suddenly there was a helicopter and all these police.”

Footage from the aftermath of the incident posted to social media showed huge numbers of emergency services vehicles parked outside the Whitgift shopping centre, next to a stationary bus.

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, in charge of local policing, 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.”

A spokesman for the Met said: “Anyone who witnessed the attack or has information that can help officers is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 1601/27Sep.

“To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Pictured top: Forensics officers at the scene of the stabbing outside Whitgift shopping centre (Picture: Claudia Lee)