A man in his late 20s was stabbed to death in broad daylight on Monday afternoon just steps from a secondary school in Hackney, east London, triggering a murder investigation and a large police presence that will remain in the area overnight.
Police were called at 1.42pm to Downs Park Road, close to Mossbourne Community Academy and Hackney Downs Park, after reports of a stabbing. The victim died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics from the London Ambulance Service. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
“Man in late 20s stabbed to death near Hackney school; police also hunt Tube sexual assault suspect.”
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said: “Our investigation remains in the early stages and officers are working at pace to identify those responsible.” He urged anyone with information to contact police.
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing for the area, said the force does not believe any pupils at the school were involved and is treating the stabbing as an isolated incident. “We understand that this incident occurred close to a school in broad daylight which will be hugely concerning for local residents,” she said.
No arrests have been made. Enquiries are ongoing.
In a separate incident, British Transport Police are investigating a sexual assault at Hanger Lane Tube station in west London. At around 2.30pm on Sunday, June 21, a man approached a woman in a subway leading to the station. He repeatedly sexually assaulted her, using force to prevent her from leaving, then fled into the station while laughing.
BTP have released images of a man they want to speak to. He is described as Indian or South Asian, in his mid to late 20s, about 5ft 7in tall, and was wearing a light-blue shirt and sunglasses. Detectives believe he may have information that could assist their investigation.
Anyone who recognises him is urged to text BTP on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 491 of 22 June. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For the Hackney stabbing, anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 4139/13JUL, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
