A man who was killed in a stabbing in Stoke Newington has been named by colleagues as Derick Thomas, a bus driver and a “true gentleman.”
Police were called to Northwold Road, Stoke Newington, at 11:05pm on Tuesday (July 30) following reports of a stabbing. Emergency services found a man in his 50s, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a local bus driver on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the victim was Derick Thomas, who worked at the Northumberland Park bus garage in Tottenham. The post described Mr. Thomas as “a great man and work colleague” and expressed sorrow over his loss to knife crime.
The heartfelt tribute read: “A great man and work colleague lost to knife crime last night. ?? A true gentleman at work and always smiling. Derick Rip ?????? When will this stop ????? How many people must we lose before something is done…..
Mr. Thomas’ next of kin have been informed, and a post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course. No arrests have been made, and enquiries are ongoing.
Stoke Newington Common has been closed off since the attack, with road closures in place between Rectory Road and Northwold Road. Bus routes including the 73, 106, 276, 292, and UL69 have been diverted.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “I understand the shock and concern this incident will cause, even more so given the recent and tragic murder of Pharrell Garcia in the borough last week.
However, I want to reassure people that a team of experienced detectives are already working diligently to identify whoever is responsible for this violent act.
“Our most immediate thoughts are clearly with the family and friends of the man killed last night.
“Whilst these two dreadful murders happened in the same area of Hackney, there is no suggestion of a link between the two. A person has been charged with Pharrell’s murder and they are awaiting trial.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or contact @MetCC on X, quoting CAD 8517/30Jul. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
