Tram passenger stabbed in stomach and face by stranger in ‘terrifying’ attack

A knifeman who repeatedly stabbed a stranger on a tram has been sent to a psychiatric hospital.

Andrew Mullings had a kitchen knife and a meat cleaver in his bag when he confronted innocent Bright Chukwu at Sandilands tram stop in Croydon, south London, last July 18.

Mr Chukwu was ‘lucky to escape with his life’ after Mullings plunged the blade into his stomach and knifed him several more times in the face arms and legs, the British Transport Police said.

The ‘terrifying’ attack was witnessed by ‘other passengers who watched on in horror’ as Mullings pursued his victim through the carriage, continuing to stab him.

When Mr Chukwu managed to escape the onslaught, Mullings calmly sat down and started chatting with two passengers as the tram was brought to an emergency stop in a tunnel.

Mullings was arrested by police a short while later as he walked down the tramlines.

The bloodstained blades were still in his bag.

Mullings, of Croydon, pleaded guilty to wounding, possessing an offensive weapon and having a knife.

He was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order at Inner London Crown Court on Friday.

Mr Chukwu suffered at least eight stab wounds to his face, abdomen, arms and legs.

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.

‘While incidents like this on the railway are extremely rare, we encourage all passengers who see or experience crime to report it to us so we can take action.’

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