A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a passenger was found stabbed to death on the top deck of a London bus.
Archie Sheppard, 48, was repeatedly knifed in a “violent and sustained attack” on the Route 189 bus in Marylebone in the early hours of Friday.
He was discovered by a passenger when the bus stopped in Gloucester Place at about 12.10am but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Saturday evening, detectives arrested a 38-year-old in Mulgrave Road, south-west London, on suspicion of murder.
DCI Noel McHugh said: "Whilst we have made an arrest this evening this is just the beginning for my investigation.
“We are now appealing to those who knew Archie Sheppard in whatever capacity to come forward.
“It is important that we establish and get a clearer picture as to who Mr Sheppard was and the lifestyle he was leading, in particular anyone who was with him on Thursday, 27 April and anyone who stayed at his home in Neasden.”
Police were called by the London Ambulance Service just after midnight on Friday to reports of a man found with stab wounds on a Route 189 bus in Gloucester Place.
Paramedics battled to save Mr Sheppard, from Neasden, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His next-of-kin have now been informed.
Officers believe Mr Sheppard boarded the bus at the same time as his attacker and they both sat separately on the upper deck.
Forty minutes into their journey, Mr Sheppard was subjected to a “violent and sustained attack” before the attacker fled the bus.
DCI McHugh added:"I am also making a fresh appeal for information and witnesses to come forward.
“A number of people have assisted us with our inquiry but there are still a number of witnesses that have yet to come forward and I believe that they could hold vital information that could help with progressing this investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or via Twitter @MetCC. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the website.
