“Bravery & tenacity” of woman stab victim

Police Control Room for London. Photo: Met Police

A woman, 39, walking home from East Croydon station was stabbed half an hour after midnight this morning and is currently in a stable condition in hospital.

The Metropolitan Police have launched an enquiry and are appealing for witnesses.

The police say the victim had been returning from Central London and “was walking out of the station onto Morland Avenue where a man approached her and asked if she knew what the time was.”

When she explained she did not have a watch, the man then asked her for her money and pulled out a knife.

She tried to run away but the man grabbed hold of her handbag and after a short struggle stabbed her in both arms.

East Croydon station. Photo: Google Street view

The victim managed to hold onto the bag and the man fled the scene empty handed.

The Met Police say the suspect is “a black man aged approx 18/19 years, slim build approx 6ft tall with short curly black hair. He was wearing a ¾ length cargo jacket and dark coloured trousers.”

The Police and London Ambulance Service were called to the scene and  the victim was taken to hospital for treatment. She is now described as “in a stable condition.”

Detective Sergeant Hayley Stanesby said: “This was a very violent attack on a woman trying to make her way home. The victim showed tenacity and bravery to keep hold of her valuables despite being stabbed several times, ensuring the suspect left empty handed. The level of violence is unusual and we would ask anyone who knows who this man is to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 020 3276 2228. To remain anonymous a call can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Morland Avenue the scene of this morning’s attack and stabbing

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