The police have launched a murder investigation after a man was stabbed to death in front of horrified commuters at a railway station in South London.

The London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance were rushed to the East Croydon Station when the 18-year-old was stabbed to death.

Despite the fast response time, the 18-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

A witness that saw the entire ordeal said a man with a machete at the busy station stabbed the 18-year-old to death, leaving blood everywhere.

The witness said, “I was passed by someone with a machete when walking up to East Croydon station, as I reached the top of the stairs there was blood everywhere and a lad slumped in the ticket office by the barriers.”

The witness added, “It didn’t look great, staff and security were on hand.”

Gareth Williams, a Detective Superintendent with the BTP, released a statement about the incident.

Williams said, “Clearly this was a deeply shocking incident, outside a very busy transport hub in Croydon. Tragically, a young man has lost his life tonight and I know this will be heartbreaking news for his family.”

He added, “We have now launched a murder inquiry and I am urgently appealing for any witnesses to get in touch. We believe the assault happened near the back entrance to East Croydon station near Ruskin Square, shortly after 4.30 pm.”

He continued, “If you were in the area and witnessed any altercation, please contact us as soon as possible. Alongside the Met, throughout the evening, we’ll be increasing our patrols in the East Croydon area and we have authorized additional Section 60 Stop and Search powers.”

If you have any information about the brutal stabbing, you are advised to contact the BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 395 of 27/01/2020.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.