Bus driver stabbed to death ‘on his way home after his shift’

'I understand the shock and concern this incident will cause, even more so given the recent and tragic murder of Pharrell Garcia last week.'

A bus driver has died after being stabbed on his way home from work.

52-year-old Derek Thomas was attacked on Tuesday night on Northwold Road in Stoke Newington.

The London bus driver had reportedly finished his shift driving the 106 bus and was making his way home when he was stabbed.

He had been based at the Northumberland Park garage in Tottenham and colleagues have described him as a ‘true gentleman’.

A message from Tom Joyner, Managing Director of Go-Ahead London seen by MyLondon stated: “I am very sad to advise you that yesterday evening, one of our colleagues – driver Derek Thomas, was fatally injured in an isolated incident in Stoke Newington in London.

‘I can confirm this incident did not occur while the driver was working. I want to reassure all of you that your safety is of the highest priority – whether it is while at our garages, on our buses or on your way to and from work.

‘We will be working with the Metropolitan Police to understand what happened during this awful incident. At this time, due the ongoing police investigation into the incident, I cannot disclose more information about the incident itself.

‘Our thoughts go out to our colleague and their family, and we will provide them – and all of you – with whatever support is required in this difficult time.

‘I understand that tragic incidents like this can impact team members in different ways, and I encourage you to please reach out and speak to your supervisors, local managers or other team members if you need support.

‘My door is always open, too, if you feel you would like to have a conversation about this or any other issues. We will share more information as appropriate, in due course. Thank you for your support during this time.’

Derek’s death marks the second killing in Hackney in the last week, with Pharrell Garcia found dead with stab wounds last Tuesday afternoon. A 15-year-old boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murdering Pharrell.

Police say there’s currently no evidence that the two killings are linked.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said: ‘I understand the shock and concern this incident will cause, even more so given the recent and tragic murder of Pharrell Garcia 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.

‘Nevertheless, they do highlight the continued danger presented to the public by people who arm themselves with knives.

‘We have additional resources focused on deterring such a threat and we are working hard with our local partners to reduce knife crime.’

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