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London Had Its First Fatal Stabbing Just Hours Into 2019

London Had Its First Fatal Stabbing Just Hours Into 2019

This follows on from the 132 murders in 2018

Rachael Grealish

Rachael Grealish

Just hours into the new year, a woman was stabbed to death in London, meaning the capital barely had to wait before its first reported fatal stabbing of 2019.

Police and the London Ambulance Service were called to the incident on John Ruskin Street, in Camberwell, around 4.20am. Paramedics fought to save the life of the woman, whose identity has not been revealed.

The woman died at the scene.

London Police.
PA

Police have arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder - he was then taken to a south London station where he remains in custody.

The death of the woman was shortly followed by another stabbing in London as police were called to reports of a knife attack on Park Lane, in Westminster at around 5.35.am.

A man believed to be in his early thirties was found with stab wounds outside a New Year's Eve party. He was reported to have been a security guard for the private event.

Again, medics fought to save the man, but he was pronounced dead at 6.05am.

London Police.
PA

The knife attack of the security guard is thought to be connected to the attacks on two other men, aged 37 and 29, and a 29-year-old woman who were rushed to hospital with stab wounds believed to not be life-threatening.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge said: "It appears the deceased and the two injured males were working as security staff for the party. They were attacked by a group of males who were outside trying to enter the venue. The female was also attacked as she assisted the security staff in closing the front door of the premises.

"This shocking incident happened just hours into a new year - the area was particularly busy with people out celebrating and making their way home from various parties and organised events."

These deaths follow a dark year for the capital, which saw its highest figures for murder in nearly a decade throughout 2018.

London Police.
PA

During the last year there were 132 homicides, with a majority of deaths being younger people - a 17 percent rise since 2017 and the highest number since 2009 when 131 people were murdered in the country's capital.

Twenty-five of the 2018 murder victims were only 19 years old - six of the youngsters were shot while 16 of them were stabbed to death.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the London attacks and anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or tweet police via @MetCC.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, Murder