Emergency services responded to reports of a violent stabbing incident on Old Kent Road in South London late Tuesday night, involving multiple victims. The call came in at approximately 10:45 p.m., triggering a large-scale deployment from both the Metropolitan Police and the London Ambulance Service.
Initial reports indicate that several individuals were injured during the attack. Among them, a 17-year-old male sustained life-threatening injuries. Paramedics provided emergency care at the scene before he was rushed to a nearby trauma center, where he remains in critical condition as of Wednesday morning.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 10:45 p.m. regarding a stabbing on Old Kent Road. Multiple resources, including advanced paramedics and trauma teams, were dispatched. Several patients were treated on site, with one teenager taken to hospital in life-threatening condition.”
Police quickly arrived and secured the area, closing a significant stretch of Old Kent Road as forensic teams began collecting evidence. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with numerous emergency vehicles on the busy thoroughfare, which sees heavy activity late at night.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command have launched a formal investigation. At this stage, the number of suspects and the motive for the attack remain unclear. No arrests have been made, but officers are canvassing the neighborhood, reviewing CCTV footage, and interviewing potential witnesses.
Local residents expressed shock over the incident. A nearby shop owner commented, “We see arguments sometimes, but nothing like this. The number of police and ambulances was incredible. It’s frightening, especially for young people who walk here regularly.”
Old Kent Road has been the site of several violent incidents in recent years, and the attack is likely to reignite concerns about youth violence and knife crime. Community leaders have long called for increased safety measures and resources to combat such incidents.
The Metropolitan Police have urged anyone with information to come forward: “We are appealing to the public for assistance. If you witnessed anything in the Old Kent Road area around 10:45 p.m., or have dashcam or CCTV footage, please contact us. Every piece of information is vital to our investigation.”
Police remain on site as the investigation continues, with traffic diversions in place. Authorities have assured the public that there is no broader threat but will maintain a visible presence to provide reassurance to residents and commuters.