Schoolgirl knifed to death while 'protecting her friend from boy' - live updates

'If not now, when will the Government take action to combat knife crime?' - Voice of the Mirror

The fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old girl should be the moment when politicians finally decide to act on knife crime.

The time for hollow words of sympathy and vacuous promises is over. Too many young people have died from stabbings. How many more must die before the Government finally agrees to tackle this national emergency? Families should not be left grieving for a child whose bright future was stolen in a horrific act of violence.

Yet that is increasingly the case in lawless Britain. Under the Tories’ watch violent crime has soared. It is still far too easy to buy lethal weapons online. Prosecutions have fallen to their lowest level for a decade. We need better enforcement, more police on the street, more lessons on the risks of carrying blades and more resources to tackle the causes of youth crime. But what is really needed is a Government that is prepared to act.

Your Mirror is calling for:

1 More police with greater powers

2 Reverse the cuts to youth services

3 Boost awareness of knife crime in our schools

Rowdy revellers storm fence to break into sold-out New Year's Eve firework event

4 Tackle the social problems behind the epidemic

5 Government should appoint a dedicated knife crime tsar

Schoolgirl stabbed as she 'tried to protect her friend'

The schoolgirl who was tragically stabbed this morning was reportedly "trying to protect her friend", according to The Times.

The outlet reports that after a confrontation on the bus, the victim had intervened in an attempt to calm the situation.

It was then she was attacked, stabbed in the neck and killed, they reported.

(PA)

Schoolgirl's family 'learned of her death from school pals'

The family of the schoolgirl who was stabbed to death in Croydon, south London, reportedly learned of her tragic death after being told my her pals.

The Independent reported that the family found out the horrifying news this way.

It came after the attack took place on the busy rush hour trip to school this morning.

The young girl went to school at The Old Palace of John Whitgift School in Croydon (PA)

'Love note' found near where schoolgirl stabbed to death in front of her friends

What appears to be a love note was found near where the young schoolgirl was stabbed to death in Croydon.

This evening, as police worked the scene, forensic officers were photographed holding what appeared to be a handwritten letter.

Part of the message appears legible, and reads: "I love you so much and I never met someone with a better smile and better eyes than what you have, special girl".

Also written on the envelope is what appears to be an instruction that says: "Read this after the brown note." It is not known who wrote the note.

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(Getty Images)

Touching messages left at the scene of the knife attack

A number of touching messages have been left at the scene of the stabbing in Croydon, south London.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, flowers and other tributes have been placed at the sight of the attack that took place.

One card reads: "Rest in peace angel, condolences to your family at this very sad time." And another says: "Rest in peace little princess. So sad your life is taken away at your prime. You have touched my soul."

Forensic officers at the scene of the attack (TIM ANDERSON)

Tributes pour in for 'incredible' schoolgirl

Tributes have poured in for the 15-year-old girl who was tragically stabbed to death on her way to school this morning.

She was described as "incredible" with a "bright future" ahead of her as others said she was "comedic" and would be missed dearly.

Anthony King, chair of the My Ends organisation which works with the Met Police in Croydon said the youngster was "jovial" and "articulate".

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Tributes left at the scene of the stabbing in Croydon, south London (PA)

Met Police commissioner speaks out on 'senseless murder' of 15-year-old girl

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “The senseless murder of a 15-year-old girl on her way to school is impossible to comprehend.

“It was moving and humbling to meet many members of the exceptional Croydon community who have come together in support of a family now dealing with the most unimaginable grief.

“The commitment of so many from the local community is inspiring. A powerful partnership between charitable groups, faith and community leaders, the local authority, the wider public and our officers has delivered so much work across the borough.

“They have collectively saved many lives from knife crime. Many are shocked and hurting. They care deeply and it’s this passion which has made Croydon a safer place and will continue to in the future.

“I spoke to officers who, with members of the public, were among the first on scene with colleagues trying to save this young girl’s life and have since supported her family and friends. Through diligent work by them all an early arrest was made and our major crime team now continue to investigate the events leading up to this awful attack.”

Schoolgirl victim's mum was on her way to work in hospital when she received tragic news

Community worker helped alleged attacker 'for more than a couple years' before stabbing

A community worker has said he worked with the teenage boy who allegedly stabbed a 15-year-old girl in the neck for "more than a couple of years".

Anthony King is chairman of the My Ends project, an initiative that aims to stop youth violence in Croydon.

He said that he had worked with the alleged attacker over a lengthy spell, before this mornings horrific incident that left a teenager girl dead on her way to school. He said the news "came as a major shock".

A blood stained bunch of plastic flowers is seen on the pavement near the horrific attack this morning (Peter Macdiarmid/LNP)

Heartbreaking message left in tribute to teenager schoolgirl stabbed this morning

A heartbreaking message was left amongst the tributes to the teenage girl who was stabbed in Croydon this morning.

One message left with a bunch of tulips said: "Sorry we live in this crazy world. This makes no sense. Fly high up there. My mummy will look after you xx. RIP beautiful, forever young taken too soon."

Two pals witnessed horror moment their 'very close friend' was stabbed

Stabbing victim had 'a bright future' ahead

The teenage girl who was tragically killed in Croydon this morning in Croydon had a "bright future" ahead of her.

A community worker said the young victim had a bright future ahead of her as she prepared to take her GCSEs. Anthony King, chair of the My Ends organisation which works with the Met Police in Croydon said: “She had a bright future ahead of her going into her GCSE year.

“The victim was absolutely incredible with a very bright future. A very comedic young lady. The word I think that was used was jovial. She was on track to pass all of her GCSEs. She was very articulate.”

Student from same school as stabbing victim comforted in touching picture

After this morning's horrific stabbing, some people have visited the scene of the attack.

Some flowers were left in tribute, and others were seen comforting one another in Croydon, south London.

A youngster who goes to the same school as the stabbing victim is comforted in Croydon (Jeremy Selwyn)

Tributes left at the scene of the tragic stabbing

Tributes have been left at the scene of this morning's tragic stabbing.

Flowers have been left at the scene of the stabbing in Croydon, south London this afternoon.

Meanwhile, other people were seen, visibly emotional, as they comforted one another at the scene.

Tributes left at the scene of the tragic stabbing (PA)

Forensic officer collects roses after reports victim was offered flowers moments before horrific attack

A forensic officer has been seen putting flowers into a container at the scene of this morning's horrific stabbing in Croydon, London.

This came after earlier reports that the victim had been offered flowers before an argument broke out, in the moments leading up to the stabbing. Chevanice Thomas said her friend was on Wellesley Road and saw a boy give the girl flowers.

A forensic investigator puts flowers into a container at the scene of the stabbing (PA)

Chevanice continued: “He turned up today with a group of boys and tried to give her flowers, she didn’t want anything to do with him, she said something, then he got violent and stabbed her. The knife was like a sword - it was really big.”

Another woman at the scene told how her friend was aboard the bus and witnessed the girl arguing with a boy prior to the stabbing. The woman, who did not want to be named, said: “The boy was with a group and he gave her flowers. She didn’t want it. They were arguing, the whole bus could hear, and then it spilled off the bus apparently. It’s so sad but I can’t say I’m shocked. We have had stabbings in Croydon before. This is what happens now.”

Met Police commissioner arrives at the scene

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has arrived at the scene of this morning's tragic stabbing.

The chief copper was pictured walking near the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon, where the young girl was stabbed this morning.

Even after one arrest, officers continue to comb the area for any and every bit of evidence.

Local MP 'heartbroken' and says community will take time to grieve

The local MP has spoken out earlier today after the tragic stabbing this morning.

Croydon MP Sarah Jones said: “I’m heartbroken that a child in my town has been killed on her way to school and I cannot imagine the grief that her family will be going through at this time.

“I want to thank the police and the ambulance services for trying so hard to save her life. They run into danger and I know they will be suffering today, too. I want to repeat the request from the police that if anybody has any information so anything please do get in touch.

“We all hold our children close and our community will take time to grieve, but for today we are just thinking of this young girl and her family. I’m so sorry.”

Local leaders have spoken out after the tragedy this morning (TIM ANDERSON)

Man described how he ran down a boy in aftermath of stabbing

A man has described how he and others chased after a boy in the aftermath of the stabbing in Croydon, today.

Victor Asare was on a bus on the way home from a night shift as a security worker when he said he saw a boy in a black blazer stab a girl in the neck with a knife which was “black, thin and about a foot long”.

He said: “The boy wore a black blazer, the girl wore green. It looked like the girl didn’t want the boy to come closer.” He then described the boy stabbing the girl in the neck with a black knife.

The 50-year-old described how the stabbing took place, and the horrifying aftermath. He added. "A lot of people came, everyone came off the bus. [The boy] ran away. Everybody was crying and screaming. The girl was on the floor. We tried to catch him and a lot of people tried to save the girl. I was so shocked, I was shaken. It’s somebody’s daughter. I finished work but couldn’t sleep, so came back, I wanted to see if the girl was OK.”

Officers at the scene of the stabbing this afternoon (TIM ANDERSON)

Church kept doors open this evening for young victim

A church kept its door open this evening for anyone affected by the death of the young teenage girl.

The Croydon Minster announced on its social media that it would be opening its doors for anyone to pay their respects, light a candle or sit in quiet and reflect.

They added: "We pray for the pupil, her parents, family, and friends, and for peace in our town and borough."

Updated police statement in full

Following this afternoon's press conference, the Met Police has released an updated statement.

The force said: "Shortly after 08:30hrs on Wednesday, 27 September, we were called to reports of a stabbing in Wellesley Road. Officers were on the scene within two minutes of the call being received.

"They provided emergency first aid along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance. Sadly, despite their efforts, a 15-year-old girl died at the scene.

"Her family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time. We carried out urgent enquiries to find the suspect - and within around 75 minutes of the incident happening - a 17-year-old boy was arrested in New Addington.

"He remains in custody and will be questioned by detectives. We remain in the early stages of our investigation, however based on what we know so far, we are not looking for anybody else at this time.

"From our initial enquiries, we believe the suspect knew the victim. We are not in a position to release the victim's identity at this time."

Sarah Jones, Labour MP for Croydon Central makes a statement to the media (Getty Images)

Students to gather at scene today to pay tribute to schoolgirl

Students are expected to attend the scene to pay tribute this afternoon, Donna said.

"This will have a ripple effect amongst schools and school leaders and parents will have to think about how to handle this. This is going to have a massive effect across our borough."

A forensic officer photographing the scene (TIM ANDERSON)

Girl's parents 'were called to scene but couldn't make it in time'

James, a support worker, added: "I got a phone call from the police and came down, and it was here I spoke to the family.

"They received a call to come to the scene shortly after the incident happened. Unfortunately they (were not) able to arrive in time (before she died.)"

Donna Murray-Turner, of community group Another Night of Sisterhood, said she was also there to offer the girl’s family support this morning. She told the Mirror: “Words like devastated and disbeliefs and shock are not enough.

“Imagine you got a phone call asking where you where you are, are you by yourself, get on transportation, then to find out that your child is gone. How would anyone feel?”

Both community groups will be supporting the schoolgirl’s family, as well as friends who were at the scene and witnessed the incident, in the coming days and weeks.

Safer Neighbourhood Board Chair, Donna Murray-Turner

Schoolgirl's family are 'devastated' and 'in shock', says support worker

By Amy Sharpe

The family of a schoolgirl who was fatally stabbed are "devastated and in shock" following her death, a community worker has said.

James Watkins told how the girl’s parents were summoned to the scene this morning but “unable to make it” in time to say goodbye to their daughter. James, founder of Mainz World - which offers crime-prevention projects for children and young people - also said the suspect had been “known” to his organisation.

He told the Mirror: "“They are devastated and I would say, more importantly, in shock. I don’t think it feels real to them at the moment." The family “are not at a stage yet” to be thinking of paying tribute to the girl, who had siblings, James said - adding that they are “just in shock and disbelief.”

Police not looking for anyone else in connection with stabbing

Mr Brittain said: "We remain in the early stages of our investigation.

"We believe we are not looking for anyoe else. It is believed the suspect may have known the victim."

The force is not in a position to release the victim's identity, he said. The chief superintendent added: "We are working to ensure those directly affected get the right support and the wider community can come together and grieve."

A forensic tent and officers near the bus stop (Getty Images)

Met chief superintendent: 'This is every parent's worst nightmare'

Mr Brittain told reporters: "This is every parent's worst nightmare.

"Officers who responded this morning are devastated at the victim's death." The teenage girl's family have been informed, he said.

Police work at the scene (Getty Images)

Boy, 17, remains in custody for questioning

Giving a press conference this afternoon, the Met's Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain said a 17-year-old boy has been arrested.

He confirmed that he remains in custody and will be questioned by detectives.

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain makes a statement to the media (Getty Images)

Forensic teams inspect scene after schoolgirl's death

Schoolgirl's friends 'tried to get through cordon but were held back'

Michael Fyffe, a local business owner who has two 13-year-old twins, said he came across the horrifying scene as he left the shopping centre.

He said: "I didn't see the incident itself, I came just afterwards. There was a girl on the floor and police officers were trying to resuscitate her. Two of her friends were trying to get to her and one was saying they were her best friend.

"Lots of people were getting off the bus. I came out of the Whitgift Centre and saw people and started asking what happened and then saw the girl on the floor. Everyone on the bus said she had been stabbed in the neck and some guy ran off."

A mother-of-two, who wanted to be named only as Bridget, also said two schoolgirls were trying to get back through the police cordon, but were held back.

Police work at the cordoned-off scene (Getty Images)

School pays tribute to 'much-loved and valued friend and pupil'

The girl was a pupil at Old Palace of John Whitgift School.

The school released a statement to say: "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."

Estate agent who works nearby says area is a 'war zone'

An estate agent who works near the scene in Croydon has said the town has "gone to the dogs".

Leigh Thomas, 41, said: "I came out of my office and there were two ambulances right across the road and about 12 police cars." He added: "Croydon has gone to the dogs recently. The other side of the shopping centre is a war zone.

"There's drug dealing, fights, there was another stabbing recently. I grew up around here, it's not what it used to be."

Forensics next to the bus (PA)