Police launch murder probe after daylight stabbing on Downs Park Road
A murder investigation is under way in Hackney after a man in his 20s was fatally stabbed close to a school on Downs Park Road. Officers were called at around 1.42pm on Monday. Despite efforts by paramedics, the man died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, the Metropolitan Police said.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are leading the inquiry. No arrests had been made by Tuesday morning, and a large cordon remained in place while forensic teams worked at the scene. Senior officers acknowledged the impact of such a violent incident happening near a school in broad daylight, stressing that there is no indication any pupils were involved.
“Our investigation remains in the early stages and officers are working at pace to identify those responsible. Police will remain in the area overnight as our inquiries continue, and I encourage anyone with any information to contact us,”
said Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who is heading the investigation.
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, the borough commander, added that she understands how unsettling the incident will feel for families navigating school pick-ups and afternoon routines nearby:
“We understand that this incident occurred close to a school in broad daylight, which will be hugely concerning for local residents. We don’t believe this to involve any pupils at the school and are treating this as an isolated incident.”
Appeal for witnesses and information
Officers are urging anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage, to come forward. Police patrols are being maintained around the scene and surrounding streets to reassure residents and gather evidence. The force said further updates will be provided when possible.
Residents around Downs Park Road described shock at the cordon and the scale of the emergency response on a weekday afternoon. The location, a short walk from homes, shops and a local school, meant many people were on the street at the time. Detectives believe there are likely to be witnesses who can help establish the sequence of events leading up to the attack.
Key details at a glance
| Incident | Fatal stabbing |
|---|---|
| Location | Downs Park Road, Hackney |
| Time/Date | About 1.42pm, Monday |
| Victim | Man in his 20s (died at scene) |
| Arrests | No arrests at this stage |
| Police ref | 4139/13JUL |
How to contact police
- Call 101 quoting reference 4139/13JUL.
- Share information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
The investigation is being treated as an isolated incident, according to senior officers. Officers will continue to carry out house-to-house inquiries and review footage from the vicinity, including along Downs Park Road and adjoining streets. Anyone who noticed unusual activity in the area on Monday afternoon is asked to contact the police.
Police presence is expected to remain visible while searches and forensic work continue. Parents and carers collecting children from nearby schools may see diversions or short-term disruptions around the cordon. The Met said neighbourhood officers are available to speak with residents who have concerns or practical questions about access.
As the investigation progresses, the priority for detectives is identifying those responsible and piecing together the events leading up to the stabbing. Community members with even small details—such as seeing individuals running, discarded items, or unfamiliar vehicles—are being encouraged to come forward. Information can be shared in confidence and may be crucial to the inquiry.
