Manhunt launched after bus passenger stabbed on night service to London Heathrow Airport
A police investigation has been launched after a 22-year-old man was killed in a knife attack on a night bus travelling through West London.
The victim had been a passenger on the N9 service, which operates between central London and Heathrow Terminal 5, when the fatal incident occurred in Hounslow shortly before 2am.
Metropolitan Police detectives from the Homicide Command have opened a murder inquiry following the young man's death.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been released publicly, is understood to have become involved in an altercation aboard the double-decker vehicle moments before he was stabbed.
His family have been notified and are receiving support from specialist officers.
No suspects have been detained in connection with the killing as investigators work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Police received reports of a stabbing at the junction of Bath Road and Great South West Road at 1.47am on Tuesday.
Officers arrived at the scene alongside London Ambulance Service crews, where they discovered the young man lying on the pavement suffering from severe wounds.
Despite efforts by paramedics to save his life, he was declared dead at the scene.
Photographs from the scene this afternoon showed multiple forensics officers working behind an extensive cordon on the westbound stretch of the A4.
Evidence markers have been positioned within the taped-off zone, including near the entrance of an N9 bus.
First aid equipment and what appeared to be a sheet could be seen scattered across the road surface near a residential area on Travellers Way.
Local neighbourhood policing patrols have been stepped up in the Hounslow area following the killing.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Waller, who is heading the murder inquiry, said: "Our officers responded quickly with 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 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."
Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 0540/30JUN26. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said: "I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of a 22-year-old man following a stabbing on a bus at the junction of Bath Road and the Great Southwest Road in the early hours of Tuesday June, 30.
"My thoughts, and those of everyone at Hounslow Council, are with everyone who knew and loved this young man. The Met Police have launched a murder investigation and have asked to hear from anyone with any information or footage, including CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage, as these could provide vital evidence.
"I would like to reassure communities in Hounslow that the police are doing everything they can to bring those responsible to justice and you will see an increase in police numbers in the coming days as reassurance patrols take place in the area."