MURDER ON THE 12.58 TO WATERLOO

Knifeman on run after train stabbing

A TEENAGER saw his 51-year-old dad brutally stabbed to death by a stranger on board a train, police said last night.

The victim was travelling on the 12.58 from Guildford, in Surrey, to London Waterloo with his 14-year-old son when he suffered the fatal injury in front of terrified commuters.

Supt Paul Langley, of British Transport Police, said in a statement last night: “Tragically, as a result of this stabbing, a man believed to be 51 years old, was pronounced dead on board the train. Early indications suggest he received multiple stab wounds to his body.

“What we know, at the moment, is the victim boarded the train at around 1pm at London Road station in Guildford, along with his 14-year-old son.

“Traumatically, the victim’s son would have been nearby when his father was fatally wounded.

“We know that the suspect also boarded the service at London Road station, however... we do not believe they are known to each other.”

After the attack, the suspect left the service at Clandon station. The train then pulled into Horsley station.

Police said he is a black man, in his 20s to 30s, 6ft tall and of slim build with a beard, believed to be dressed in black, with white trainers. Officers said he should not be approached.

Police remained in Clandon and Horsley as they tried to trace the

culprit. Forensic teams were seen at Horsley as the victim’s body was thought to still be on the train.

A police helicopter circled overheard last night as the hunt for the knife-man continued. A resident yesterday said she believed she saw the suspect in West Clandon – half a mile from Clandon station.

Rowena Dodwell called police after she saw a bearded man drop a bloodcovered hat in a field. Posting on the Nextdoor app, she said: “Please be vigilant as I just came across a mid 20s, slim build, black beard, bald suspicious man wearing a black track suit walking around our neighbouring field, very sweaty and nervous.

“Called police as he’s dropped a blooded hat in field.”

One train passenger last night praised rail staff, saying: “I was on this train, how those guards and especially that train driver went into action was nothing short of incredible.”

Witnesses said punches were thrown and the victim was then stabbed in the neck.

One woman passenger, who asked not to be named, said: “There was a lot of blood everywhere in the carriage. I don’t think the poor chap stood a chance.”