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A 14-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed on a London bus has been identified online as an aspiring drill rapper known as ‘Grippa’. The teenager was attacked in front of horrified passengers on a Route 472 bus in Woolwich at around 2:30 PM on Tuesday, 7 January.
Ongoing Manhunt for the Suspect
A manhunt is currently underway for the perpetrator of the “horrendous” attack, with no arrests made so far. Metropolitan Police officers are appealing for witnesses and urging anyone with information to come forward.
At a press conference last night, Chief Superintendent Louise Sargent said:
This is a horrendous crime, and I can’t imagine what the victim’s family and friends are going through right now. We are working at pace to identify and arrest those involved.”
Tributes and Reaction
Tributes have poured in for Grippa, who was described by friends as “taken too soon”. Clips of his music, including his latest track ‘Bangers & Mash’, released on Christmas Day, have been widely shared online.
A close friend of the victim, who broke down in tears at the scene, told reporters:
“He didn’t deserve this. He was a nice person. He was good at football, but I don’t think he was pursuing it as a career.”
Locals in the Woolwich area have expressed shock over the brutal attack.
- Mechanic Dave Murray, 62, from Plumstead: “It’s tragic. Whatever those boys were fighting about, it’s never worth it.
- Local mother, Shula: “I can’t believe a boy was stabbed to death on a bus. Is it too dangerous to go on the bus now?”
Mayor of London Condemns the Attack
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his condolences and reassured the public that authorities are working urgently to find those responsible.
My thoughts are with the family, friends, and wider community in Greenwich following the appalling fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy.
This heart-breaking violence has absolutely no place in our city.
Police cordons remain in place on Woolwich Church Road near the A205 South Circular Road, with forensic teams examining the crime scene, including the double-decker bus where the attack took place.
Recent Surge in Knife Crime
This tragedy comes just a day after an 18-year-old was left fighting for his life after being stabbed less than a mile away on Prince Imperial Road in Woolwich. Police have confirmed that the two incidents are not linked.
Knife crime remains a significant issue in London, with 15,016 offences recorded in 2023/24, a 17.4% increase compared to the previous year.
Appeal for Witnesses
Detectives are urging anyone with information about the attack to contact them.
- Call the police on 101 quoting ref 3795/07JAN25
- Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Authorities have also asked residents in the area to check CCTV and dashcam footage that may assist the investigation.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information emerges.
