LONDON — A violent stabbing on Old Kent Road late Tuesday night has left multiple people injured and a 17-year-old male fighting for his life. Emergency services were called at approximately 10:45 p.m., triggering a major response from both the Metropolitan Police and the London Ambulance Service.
Paramedics treated several victims at the scene, with the teenager suffering the most severe injuries. He was transported under priority to a nearby trauma center, where he remains in a life-threatening condition.
A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service confirmed the scale of the response: “We were called at 10:45 p.m. to reports of a stabbing on Old Kent Road. We dispatched multiple resources, including advanced paramedics and trauma teams. Several patients were treated at the scene, with one teenager taken as a priority to hospital in a life-threatening condition.”
Police quickly cordoned off a large section of Old Kent Road as detectives and forensic teams worked through the night to secure evidence. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with flashing lights from police cars and ambulances lining one of South London’s busiest roads.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation. While no arrests have been made so far, officers are reviewing CCTV, speaking with witnesses, and conducting door-to-door inquiries to determine how the incident unfolded. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many suspects may have been involved or what led to the attack.
Local residents expressed shock and concern following the violence. “We see arguments sometimes, but never anything like this,” one shopkeeper told reporters. “The road was filled with police and ambulances—it was terrifying. People are really worried, especially for the young ones who come through here every day.”
Old Kent Road has been the site of several violent incidents in recent years, fueling ongoing calls for stronger measures to address knife crime and youth violence across London. Tuesday night’s stabbing is expected to intensify debate among community leaders and public officials over how best to curb the growing problem.
The Metropolitan Police have appealed for information, urging anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack to come forward. “If you saw or heard anything in the Old Kent Road area around 10:45 p.m., or if you have dashcam or CCTV footage, please contact us immediately,” a spokesperson said. “Every piece of information could be vital.”
Traffic diversions remain in place as the investigation continues. Police have reassured the public that there is no wider threat but say a visible presence will remain in the area in the coming days to provide reassurance to residents and commuters.