Crazed Tram Knifeman Repeatedly Stabbed Passenger

A suburban tram passenger was stabbed and slashed by a knifeman, who blocked him boarding and vowed to kill him.

The victim suffered eight wounds to abdomen, face, arms and legs after boarding at Sandilands, Croydon on July 18, last year.

Andrew Paul Mullings, 41, of Dingwall Road, Croydon received an indefinite hospital order when he appeared at Inner London Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to wounding, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article – a kitchen knife and meat cleaver.

The court heard how as he tried to board the tram, the victim – a complete stranger – was blocked by Mullings, who said he would kill him.

Once on the tram Mullings produced a knife from his bag and stabbed the victim in the abdomen.

As the victim attempted to move down the carriage to get away from his assailant, Mullings pursued him, continuing to stab at him.

Panicked passengers attempted to flee while Mullings stabbed the victim in his face and legs.

Once the victim had managed to escape, Mullings took a seat and engaged in conversation with two passengers before fleeing the service when it came to an emergency stop in a tunnel between Sandilands and Lloyd Park.

Mullings was arrested by police shortly afterwards as he walked down the tramlines.

On arrest, Mullings was found with a kitchen knife and meat cleaver in his bag. 

On forensic testing, the knife bore the blood of the victim.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: “This was a terrifying incident for both the victim and other passengers who watched on in horror as Mullings carried out a sustained knife attack on an innocent stranger.

“Given his extensive injuries the victim was lucky to escape with his life.”