A 41-year-old Croydon man has been locked up under an indefinite hospital order after viciously stabbing a stranger multiple times on a tram.
Knife Attack Shocks Passengers
Andrew Paul Mullings, from Dingwall Road, Croydon, pleaded guilty to wounding, carrying an offensive weapon, and possession of a bladed article following a British Transport Police probe. He was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Friday, 10 October.
The chilling attack took place on 18 July last year. The victim spotted Mullings waiting at Sandilands tram stop. As the tram rolled in, Mullings blocked his path, threatening, "I will kill you."
Without warning, Mullings pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed the man in the abdomen. The victim tried to flee along the tram carriage, but Mullings gave chase, continuing to attack, targeting his face and legs as terrified passengers scrambled away.
Calm Before the Escape
After the brutal assault, Mullings casually sat down and chatted with two other passengers before bolting when the tram made an emergency stop in a tunnel between Sandilands and Lloyd Park stops.
Police soon caught Mullings walking along the tramlines nearby. Officers found a kitchen knife and meat cleaver in his bag; forensic tests confirmed the knife bore the victim's blood.
Lucky to Be Alive
The victim survived despite suffering over eight stab wounds to his face, abdomen, arms, and legs.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: "This was a terrifying incident for both the victim and other passengers who watched in horror as Mullings carried out a sustained knife attack on an innocent stranger. Given his extensive injuries, the victim was lucky to escape with his life."
