A young man has died after being stabbed in an area of London today compared to a “war zone”.
The 23-year-old was rushed to hospital after the attack near Woolwich, southeast London, but died of his injuries a short time later.
A cordon remains in place today as police investigate the death.
One woman, who lives on the busy street, told My London she now fears for the safety of her grandchildren in the capital.
A man, who works on a building site near the scene, described the area as “like living in a war zone.”
The construction worker, who has been staying in a hotel in the area for the last eight weeks for his job, described the location as “rough.”
He said it’s “very rough,” adding: “I see lads all the time with hoods and balaclavas riding round on bicycles. I just keep my head down and walk home.”
He added: “I’m from a nice area, This is all abnormal to me. When I go for a coffee on two occasions I’ve had violence, I had two homeless guy who I didn’t give a cigarette so they ended up getting in my face as if they wanted to fight.
“Then I had another guy who just went off…. Mega rough, it’s like a war zone round here. You can feel the tension – or maybe I can because I’m not from the area.”
Residents of the street where the man was stabbed to death have also described their fear of leaving the house after dark.
Speaking to MyLondon, residents said that they were afraid to walk around at night due to the level of violence in the area.
An elderly gentleman with a walking frame said: “I don’t come out at night as I’m too scared. I can’t run as fast as someone if they wanted to chase me. Well, I can’t run at all.”
In response to the incident, a new statement from DCI Sal Minhas, who is leading the investigation into the killing, has been released. DCI Minhas said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of this young man as they come to terms with his tragic death. We will do everything we can do support them.
“A dedicated team of detectives are working to establish exactly what happened and track down the people responsible. Officers will remain at the scene throughout the day and I would ask anyone with information about the incident to contact us immediately, no matter how minor the detail.
“Tackling violent crime remains a top priority for the Met. This incident is a stark reminder that we still have more to do in this area. We continue to work alongside the communities we serve to stop violence from happening in the first place.”
While out speaking to residents today MyLondon also spoke to someone who claims to be a long-time friend of the 23-year-old victim. She said: “I’ve known him for a long time.
“It’s so sad that he died I couldn’t believe it. His friend took him in the car to the hospital.”
Woolwich based knife-amnesty activist Ryan Girling, 27, also spoke to MyLondon at the scene of last night’s stabbing. A former youth worker, Ryan now runs a knife amnesty service through which he collects knives from those who want to give them up and turns them safely over to police.
Ryan is also fundraising to supply bleed control kits to local businesses so that stabbing victims can receive life-saving help faster if the worst happens.
He said: “Growing up in Woolwich I’ve seen how many stabbings there are, and it’s got worse over the years.
“The bleed control kits are for a few different things. They’ve got a tourniquet and other aid for stabs or major bleeds. When you call an ambulance you’re waiting seven minutes for them to arrive which can be the difference between life and death.
“I’ve got a local football team in Thamesmead who are currently trying to raise money by doing a charity football match to get more bleed control kits so I can go around and give them to local businesses. If we get as many out there as we can there’s more chance of saving peoples lives.”
Police have officially launched a murder investigation into the death of the 23-year-old man who has yet to be formally identified by police.
The stabbing was reported on Brookhill Road in Woolwich at 5.37pm last night but the victim was not found until he was dropped off by car at a south London hospital with serious injuries which he died from at 7.11pm.
His next of kin have now been informed.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101, giving the reference 5568/29SEP. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1675835/Woolwich-stabbing-man-dead-Met-Police-London-knife-crime
