TRAGEDY NEAR HEATHROW AIRPORT… – A major road beside Heathrow Airport has been shut down after a 22-year-old man was fatally st@bbed, triggering a large police response and causing major disruption in the area.
A knife victim staggered towards a 24-hour McDonald’s but collapsed shortly after being stabbed on a London night bus.
The A4 near Heathrow Airport has been shut down between Great South West Road and the Parkway as police investigate the murder.
Cars are backed up and buses have been diverted as the Metropolitan Police set up multiple forensics tents.
The road was closed just after midnight on Monday evening, when police responded to reports of a stabbing.
Locals said there had been a clash on the bus initially, with the victim fleeing towards the 24-hour McDonald’s to get help.
The forensic tent marks the spot where the man collapsed after fleeing the bus (Picture; John Dunne)
A neighbour told Metro: ‘Police were talking to the bus driver. The trouble started on the bus, whether he was stabbed there or outside I don’t know.
‘He was heading towards the lights of the 24-hour McDonald’s to get help but he didn’t make it.’
The 22-year-old was found with serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A police cordon is in place (Picture: John Dunne)
A witness told Metro: ‘He looked like he had just got off at the bus stop when he was attacked.
Forensics teams are at the scene (Picture: John Dunne)
‘He had walked a bit from the stop when it happened. Police forensics have been all over the bus, which was then towed away.’
Another said: ‘It’s heartbreaking it happened just near my house. There was a guy on the ground. There was a bus at the stop inside the cordon.’
The cordon is still in place, blocking the westbound carriageway ahead of rush hour.
DCI Paul Waller, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘Our officers responded quickly with the London Ambulance Service and did everything possible to help the victim. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
‘This is a fast-paced investigation, and enquiries are ongoing. Patrols from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team have been increased in the area, and anyone with any concerns is asked to speak to officers.
‘Any information, no matter how minor it may seem, could prove crucial. CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage may provide vital evidence.’
