A number of public figures have spoken out after the "senseless murder" of a schoolboy in Woolwich last night.

One MP said Woolwich was "grieving" after the murder of yet another young man, "another life extinguished", whilst councillors sent their thoughts and prayers to the family of the victim.

Met Police officers were called to Woolwich New Road at 5:23pm following reports of a stabbing, and found a 15-year-old boy suffering from severe stab wounds.

Immediate first aid was provided, but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at 6:08pm.

Police said the boy's next of kin has been informed, though he is yet to be formally identified.

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So far, another 15-year-old boy has been arrested after self-presenting with a stab wound, and he has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A number of public figures and members of the local community have since spoken out about what many see as levels of violence far beyond acceptable.

Matthew Pennycook, the MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, urged anyone with any information to come forward to police on 101, quoting the reference CAD 5748/05Jul.

The MP said: "Woolwich is grieving the senseless murder of yet another young man on our streets this evening.

"Another family devastated. The promise of another life extinguished."

On Twitter, people commented describing the news as "absolutely heartbreaking," with one person saying it "doesn't feel like a safe place to live in the past month."

Superintendent Petra Lazar, of South East BCU, acknowledged that the incident will "will understandably cause worry and concern to local residents."

"I would like to reassure them my officers are supporting the murder detectives in every way we can. Increased patrols will be carried out in the area over the next few days."

Lazar added: "It is shocking and extremely saddening that a teenage boy has lost his life as the result of knife crime.

"My thoughts at this time are with the family of the boy who has died."

Danny Thorpe, the leader of Greenwich Council, released a statement saying the "thoughts and prayers of everyone in Greenwich tonight are with the family of the young person whose life has been lost in Woolwich."

"This senseless murder has devastated a family & our community holds them in our thoughts & prayers tonight.

He added: "We are working closely with Greenwich Met Police to find those responsible and bring them to justice as quickly as possible. If you know anything at all please get in touch with them."

The councillor also asked people not to share footage of the incident online, but to share it with police instead.

Detective Chief Inspector Perry Benton, of the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said: “We know that there were a lot of people around at the time who may have witnessed the events leading up to this incident.

"I'm sure people will have mobile phone footage from the scene and, if they believe it could assist our investigation, I would urge them to pass it on to us.

"One arrest has been made, but our enquiries are still at an early stage so I would ask anyone who knows anything about the motive for this attack, or who was responsible, to contact us immediately."

There was significant travel disruption throughout Monday due to the incident, with buses put on diversion and the roads closed as a crime scene was set up.

Southeastern said that a police closure meant Woolwich Arsenal's entrance was blocked off, disrupting rail travel in the area, whilst photos showed the centre of Woolwich awash with people.

A section 60 order, which grants police additional stop and search powers, was also authorised for Woolwich Common, Woolwich Riverside and Glyndon wards until 10am on Tuesday.

Witnesses are asked to call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 5748/05Jul. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.