Ealing: Woman, 21, stabbed to death in west London alleyway

Police were called to an alleyway off Church Gardens, South Ealing

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 21-year-old woman was stabbed to death in a west London alleyway.

The woman was found with several stab wounds and died at the scene, in an area off Church Gardens, South Ealing, just after midnight.

The Met Police arrested a 20-year-old man and he remains in custody.

Officers are confident they know the woman's identity and are in the process of informing her next of kin.

A post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.

The Met Police is yet to name the victim

Met commander Sean Wilson said: "This is a truly shocking incident which will understandably cause significant concern among the local community and Londoners as a whole.

"Violence of any kind, but particularly against women and girls, has a profound impact on communities and this will understandably impact on the confidence of those in the area going about their daily business.

"I want to reassure the Ealing community that a team of specialist homicide detectives have commenced an investigation.

'Lots of shouting'

"They will use their skills and experience to ensure that whoever is responsible is brought to justice."

A police cordon remains in place near the Rose and Crown pub, as well as near Grange School, Grange Nursery and Grange Pre-School, which are closed.

A number of forensic vans and a police dog unit are also at the scene.

One local resident said: "Yeah it's pretty shocking. I heard a commotion this morning, sirens and lots of shouting. It woke me up."

Another, who did not wish to be named, added: "It is pretty scary, considering it happened so close to a school."

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