Catford, Southeast London – A man has been arrested following a violent incident aboard a public transport bus in Catford, southeast London, on Tuesday afternoon, July 1, 2025. The incident, which occurred on a Route 54 bus near the location of the former Duke of Catford pub on Rushey Green, left two men suffering from stab wounds.
Emergency services, including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, and London’s Air Ambulance, were rapidly dispatched to the scene at approximately 13:42hrs after receiving urgent reports of the stabbing.
Details of the Assault
The assault unfolded aboard the Route 54 bus as it traversed Rushey Green, a busy thoroughfare in the heart of Catford. The precise circumstances leading to the stabbing are currently under intensive investigation by police.
The two victims, both confirmed to be men in their 30s, sustained stab injuries during the disturbance. The nature of the injuries required immediate and significant medical attention from responding paramedics at the scene.
Emergency Response and Victim Status
The response from London’s emergency services was swift and coordinated. Police officers secured the area around the bus, while London Ambulance Service paramedics worked alongside the London’s Air Ambulance crew to assess and treat the wounded.
Due to the severity or potential severity of their injuries, both men required hospital treatment. One victim was transported by ambulance to a major trauma centre in London as a priority. This designation indicates that medical professionals assessed his condition as potentially life-threatening or requiring the highest level of specialist care available.
The second man was taken to a local hospital for treatment. At this stage, the exact severity of the injuries sustained by either man has not been publicly disclosed by the authorities.
Police Investigation and Arrest
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Metropolitan Police officers launched a rapid investigation.
A significant development occurred quickly with the arrest of a man in connection with the stabbing. He was taken into police custody on suspicion of attempted murder and affray. Affray is a specific public order offence defined as fighting by two or more people in a public place that causes at least one person to be afraid.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that detectives are now undertaking the crucial task of reviewing CCTV footage. This includes accessing video evidence from the bus itself, surrounding businesses, and street cameras, which is expected to be vital in establishing the sequence of events, identifying everyone involved, and gathering key evidence.
Witness Appeal Issued
As part of their ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive picture of the incident, investigators are making a direct appeal to the public for assistance.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the stabbing, saw anything suspicious on or around the Route 54 bus on Rushey Green at the time of the incident, or has any information that could aid their investigation, to come forward.
Members of the public with information are asked to contact the Metropolitan Police by calling 101, the non-emergency number. It is crucial that callers quote the specific reference CAD 4709/01JUL when providing information, as this helps police link the details directly to this particular investigation.
Alternatively, those who wish to provide information anonymously can do so by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that allows individuals to report crime information without revealing their identity.
Community Impact
The incident has understandably caused concern within the local community and among public transport users in Catford. Authorities are working diligently to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure the safety of the public.
The suspect remains in police custody as enquiries continue. The focus for the emergency services now shifts to the recovery and care of the two injured men, while police continue their work to establish the full facts surrounding this serious assault on public transport.
