A 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death with a blade in just 40 seconds in the latest senseless murder.
Louis Johnson died of stab wounds after at around 4.45pm yesterday.
The teenager entered the station at 4.30pm but was confronted on the overbridge by his evil killer just moments later.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn, of British Transport Police, said: "The incident was over within a matter of 40 seconds, but I know many other passengers or members of the public would have seen what happened. If you have not already spoken with police, please get in touch.
This was a senseless killing at an extremely busy time of the day, and my thoughts are with Louis’s family at this painfully difficult time.
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"For such a young man to lose his life in these circumstances is truly devastating, and I would like to reassure everyone that a thorough investigation is well underway."
No one has been arrested in connection with the death with BTP officers patrolling the station today.
A terrified shop worker described screams and panic after the stabbing.
She pulled down the shutters in fear and saw the knifeman flee onto the platform and possibly catch a train as commuters screamed in panic.
The woman, from East Croydon, said: “I saw the guy who was stabbed.
“He was screaming and shouting in pain. He was bent down, he was bleeding a lot.
“He was not saying anything, he was just shouting. There were people helping him, he was surrounded by people.
“Station staff were shouting and I pulled the shutters down because I was afraid the guy with the knife might come and do something to us.
“He ran off down onto the platform. I think he got onto a train. I am not sure if it was the same guy. There seemed to be two other people who were shouting."
Det Chief Insp Blackburn added: "We continue to appeal for anyone with information to get in touch as a matter of urgency.
"The incident was over within a matter of 40 seconds, but I know many other passengers or members of the public would have seen what happened. If you have not already spoken with police, please get in touch.
"Importantly, if you have any mobile phone or dashcam footage of the East Croydon area either just before, during or after the attack – we want to hear from you."
Witnesses yesterday said they saw the boy covered in blood. It was also alleged last night the attacker had a machete, a claim since played down by police.
One man said: "I was passed by someone with a machete when walking up to East Croydon station, as I reached the top of the stairs there was blood everywhere and a lad slumped in the ticket office by the barriers.
"It didn't look great, staff and security were on hand."
London's Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was 'deeply saddened' to hear about the man's death and insisted he was doing his best to help the 'overstretched' police to catch offenders.
He tweeted: "Deeply saddened to learn a young man has lost his life.
"My thoughts are with his loved ones. I'm in touch with senior Met officers.
"The community will see an increased police presence & extra police powers have been authorised. I urge anyone with information to come forward.
"Violent crime destroys lives and devastates communities. I’m doing all I can to support our overstretched police service bring offenders to justice, including funding new officers, as well as investing in youth and preventative services across London."
The investigation continues.
