School pays tribute to ‘much loved’ girl, 15, who was stabbed to death in Croydon

Picture from scene of fatal Croydon stabbing (Image: PA Media)

A private school has paid tribute to a girl who was stabbed to death in Croydon.

A 15-year-old girl was found injured in Wellesley Road at around 8.30am today (September 27).

Officers and London Ambulance Service crews attended.

The girl was pronounced dead at the scene just after 9.20am.

A male, who is believed to be known to the victim, has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Old Palace of John Whitgift School has since paid tribute and confirmed the girl was a pupil at its school.

In a statement, it says: “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.”

Eyewitnesses at the scene claimed an argument erupted on a bus between the girl, her friends and pupils from another local school, which then spilled over onto the pavement, as reported by The Telegraph.

According to one eyewitness, the girl was stabbed after rejecting flowers that were given to her.

A woman described seeing a bus driver and another woman trying to save the 15-year-old girl.

The mother-of-two, who only wanted to be known as Bridget, said she saw the two people trying to resuscitate the girl on the pavement.

She said: “I was on the bus before and came off and walked back down, I saw them resuscitating her.

“The driver was holding her and a lady.

“The emergency services were already here when I walked back.”

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.

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“My officers were immediately on scene to provide first aid and support paramedics.

“Acting on information provided to them, officers also worked closely with colleagues from across the Met and the British Transport Police to track a teenager in connection with the stabbing. I can confirm that an arrest was made at about 09:45hrs in the Croydon area. At this early stage we believe that he may have known her.

“A crime scene will be in place for some time, and I am grateful for the cooperation of residents.”

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at about 08:30hrs on Wednesday, 27 September to reports of a 15-year-old girl stabbed on Wellesley Road in Croydon.

“Officers, the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended. Despite their efforts, sadly she died at the scene at 09:21hrs.

“A crime scene is in place.

“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.”