Murder investigation launched in Woolwich

Statement from Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who is responsible for policing in Greenwich, after the fatal knife attack on a 15-year-old boy.

“I regret to announce that we have launched a murder investigation following the stabbing of a teenager in Greenwich last night, Sunday 22 September.

“Police were called at around 6.35pm to a disturbance on Eglinton Road in the Woolwich borough.

“Our officers arrived to find a 15-year-old boy with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, he sadly died a short time later.

“His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist Met officers.

“Once again we have had to inform the family of a child that their loved one has been killed in an act of violence with a knife. Our thoughts are with them as they try to understand what has happened.

“The fact that a 15-year-old teenager, who had his whole life ahead of him, was separated from his family in this way is a stark and sobering reminder of the danger of 'zombie-style knives'. We are determined to do everything in our power to remove these weapons from our streets.

“We know that this murder will also send shockwaves throughout the community, and I understand the genuine concern this will cause. We share that concern.”

“You can expect to see your local officials in the area over the next few days. Please speak to them if you have any questions or need any support or advice.

“The local teams are working closely with the specialist homicide investigators so that we can clarify the exact incident as quickly as possible. The investigation is in full swing today.”

“We need your help to find answers that the victim's family desperately needs. Do you have any information that could help our investigators? Even the smallest detail could be crucial.

“Were you in the Eglinton Road area on Sunday evening around 6.30pm? Did you see anyone running away from the area?

“If you live in the area, do you have CCTV, doorbell or dashboard camera footage? We have an online portal where you can upload images or video footage.

“If you have any useful information, please call us on 020 8721 4005 and quote Operation Baghaze.”

“Alternatively, if you are uncomfortable speaking to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They will not pass your personal details to the police.”