A bus driver was brutally killed in a stabbing on his way home from work, his employers have revealed.
Derek Thomas, believed to be in his 50s, was killed in a stabbing at Northwold Road, Stoke Newington, yesterday (July 30) at 11.05pm.
Emergency services found a man, in his 50s, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was later named by a local bus driver as Derek Thomas. It is understood he worked at the Northumberland Park bus garage in Tottenham for transport company Go-Ahead London.
Following news of his death, the company has issued a statement.
Tom Joyner, managing director of Go-London, said: “It is with great sadness that our colleague Derek Thomas, a driver for Go-Ahead London was fatally injured in an isolated incident while on his way home from work.
"The entire team at Go-Ahead London is saddened by this incident and the tragic loss of one of their colleagues, and our thoughts are with the family of the colleague who has lost their life. We will ensure our teams and the family of our colleague receive any support required from Go-Ahead London during this difficult time.
"We are assisting the police with their investigation into the incident."
His next of kin have been informed and a post mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.
There have been no arrests and enquires continue.
Stoke Newington Common has been closed off since the attack, with road closures in place both ways between Rectory Road and Northwold Road.
Bus routes – including the 73, 106, 276, 292 and UL69 – were detoured.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who is 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 on 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.
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