Man arrested on suspicion of murder after young woman stabbed to death by ‘stranger’ while on the phone to her grandmother

A woman was stabbed to death in broad daylight reportedly while on the phone to her grandmother as she walked along the street on Monday afternoon.

The 31-year-old woman was walking along Stockwell Park Walk in Brixton at around 4pm when she was approached from behind by a man, who attacked her.

Police say there is no information to suggest the victim and the man were known to each other. 

Two days after the incident, residents of the area are still in shock.

A neighbour close to the family described how the victim’s grandmother heard a “terrible scream” before she heard the phone hit the floor at the time of the attack.

The victim, believed to be of Ghanaian descent, was on her way to a birthday celebration at her flat where she lives with her mother, father, brother and sister.

A neighbour told the Evening Standard: “He (her father) said his daughter had gone to buy a present for her mother and was on her way home.

“She was on the phone to her grandmother when she was attacked.”

In Stockwell Park Walk today a man shouted out to a police officer at the scene of a car crash which happened two days after the incident in the same road. “What’s happened? Now this, someone only got stabbed here two days ago. What is going on?”

Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, local policing commander for Lambeth, said: “This is a shocking attack and my thoughts are with the woman’s family and friends as they come to terms with this awful news. We will do everything we can to support them at this incredibly difficult time.

“I recognise the considerable concern this incident has caused and I’d like to reassure you that a dedicated team of detectives are carrying out a number of enquiries and additional officers are in the area to respond to any concerns from members of the community.”

Formal identification is yet to take place and a post-mortem will be arranged in due course.

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 4728/01May. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.

• A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.

Pictured top: Police at the scene of the stabbing in Stockwell Park Walk on Monday (Picture: PA)