A 21-year-old woman has been brutally stabbed to death in an alleyway near a Grange Primary School in an upmarket West London suburb.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Police arrived shortly after midnight to find the victim, who died at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics.
Meanwhile, a 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder and taken into custody at a west London police station.
Police said they were “confident they know the woman’s identity and are in the process of informing her next of kin,” adding that a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.
Nevertheless, a crime scene remains in place, and enquiries are ongoing. Some roads remain shut near The Rose and Crown pub on Church Place.
One resident, who identified herself as Tamy, said, “I don’t know anyone who would walk through that alleyway at night.
“It’s always been a bit rough and somewhere to avoid – loads of drug dealing and that kind of thing.
“I heard a commotion this morning, sirens and lots of shouting. It woke me up.”
Another who wished to stay anonymous added, “It is pretty scary, considering it happened so close to a school.”
West area BCU commander Sean Wilson, responsible for policing in Ealing, said, “This is a truly shocking incident which will understandably cause significant concern among the local community and Londoners as a whole.
“Violence of any kind, but particularly against women and girls, has a profound impact on communities, and this will understandably impact the confidence of those in the area going about their daily business.
“I want to reassure the Ealing community that a team of specialist homicide detectives have commenced an investigation. They will use their skills and experience to ensure that whoever is responsible is brought to justice.
“My local officers will also be in and around the area in South Ealing; if you have any concerns, I will encourage you to approach them and speak to them. You can also speak to your local Neighbourhood policing team or dial 101.”
