Woman, 21, stabbed to death in smart suburb
Man aged 20 arrested after midnight attack in alley
A YOUNG woman was found stabbed to death in an alleyway yesterday.
The 21-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene in Ealing, west London, in the early hours despite the best efforts of paramedics.
A man aged 20 was arrested on suspicion of murder after the victim was discovered with multiple stab wounds.
Local residents said they awoke to a ‘commotion’ after hearing sirens and shouting from the alley, which is near a pre-school.
Detectives said a man was taken into custody after police officers were called to the scene shortly after midnight.
Commander Sean Wilson, who is 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 on 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 and they will use their skills and experience to ensure that whoever is responsible is brought to justice.’
Several officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.
A large police cordon remained in place last night around the scene, covering Grange Primary School and Grange Pre-School, which were closed to pupils.
Families who live near the alleyway – which is often used as a shortcut to nearby South Ealing Underground Station – said they avoid walking down it at night.
A mother whose home backs on to the passageway said: ‘I never go down there after it is dark. It is very narrow and barely room for two people to walk past each other. There is not much street lighting and it is somewhere I don’t go down there if I can avoid it.’
Other locals said it was known to be frequented by drug dealers and users late at night.
One resident added: ‘It’s pretty shocking – 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 did not wish to be named, said: ‘It is pretty scary, considering it happened so close to a school.’
Forensic officers were seen working in the area yesterday evening along with a police dog unit.
Mr Wilson added: ‘My local officers will also be in and around the area – if you have any concerns I would encourage you to approach them and speak to them.’
‘Truly shocking incident’