A woman was stabbed to death in broad daylight in Brixton, south London on Monday, the Metropolitan police has said.
The force said it was called at about 4pm to reports of a stabbing in Stockwell Park Walk, just off Brixton Road.
Paramedics from the London ambulance service and London’s air ambulance also attended, as did London fire and rescue service.
The woman, believed to have been in her 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
No arrests had yet been made late on Monday. Her family has been informed and will be supported by specialist officers, the Met said.
While police officers and forensic science teams worked at the scene, roads were closed and Stockwell Park Walk was cordoned off. A tent was erected between two blocks of flats in an alley off Stockwell Park Walk, near St Helen’s Catholic primary school.
Family and friends of the victim gathered outside the cordon. Police requested that people avoid the area, while traffic was diverted. Residents whose homes are inside the cordon were allowed to pass through.
A family member of the woman told the Press Association: “Family are on their way here now and we still need to tell them what’s happened. It’s just so raw.”
In the evening, four people – including the victim’s father – were seen praying at the police cordon beside Rumsey Road, which runs parallel to Stockwell Park Walk.
Natasha Jordan, who works at the Live True London hair salon on Brixton Road, said: “There were loads of police cars and ambulances that came.
“Loads of police were walking up and down the road because there’s a police station right near here.
“No one actually came in and said anything though, and I’ve been in here all day.”
In a tweeted statement late on Monday, Lambeth council said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of a woman in Brixton this afternoon. We will be supporting our police colleagues and would urge anyone with information to contact investigators.”
Florence Eshalomi, the Labour and Co-op MP for Vauxhall, tweeted: “Very sad to hear of a tragic stabbing of a woman near Stockwell Park Walk this afternoon. There is a crime scene in place and investigations are at an early stage.”
Witnesses have been urged to call 101 quoting CAD 4278/01 May. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
