Killer', 46, calmly rolled cigarette and waited for police to arrive after 'stabbing 42-year-old woman to death

A knife-wielding attacker stabbed a woman to death in broad daylight then rolled a cigarette while he waited for police to arrive, it was claimed today.

The 42-year-old victim was pronounced dead at hospital after she was stabbed at least four times in the neck in Tottenham, north London yesterday afternoon.

A 46-year-old man was arrested at the scene, which was cordoned off while forensics officers combed the street for evidence.
hose working nearby said they think the victim knew her attacker, who left the knife in her neck and made no attempt to flee.

Sergio Fernandes, 21, said: 'I think these people had issues together. I was talking to a few witnesses and they said he stabbed her up four times in the neck.

'He stood there knowing he had done something wrong and rolled up a cigarette and let the police take him away.

'She was lying there with the knife still sticking out of her neck, and he had blood all over his hands.'
Mental health worker Marcia Williams, 53, who spoke to a passer-by, said: 'The witness was very shaken up - she said the woman was stabbed in the neck but didn’t go into any other detail.

'The victim fell right on the floor straight away. She was still there when I came out but you couldn’t see anything because a police van was blocking the scene.'

Scotland Yard said they believe they know the identity of the deceased and have informed her next of kin, but are awaiting formal identification.
A local shopkeeper, who asked not to be named, said she heard the victim having an argument with her Polish partner moments before she was murdered.

She said: 'I was in the shop and heard two people arguing. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but it seemed like a boyfriend-girlfriend fight.

'He was Polish and she was black. They argued up the street. It’s awful, I didn’t see what happened but heard she was stabbed in the neck.'

'[The attacker] stood there knowing he had done something wrong and rolled up a cigarette and let the police take him away'

Local resident Sergio Fernandes

Police think witnesses may have filmed the attack, which happened in Bruce Grove, on their mobile phones and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel MucHugh, who is leading the murder inquiry, said: 'I need to hear from anyone who was in the Bruce Grove area shortly before 1pm and who may have witnessed the incident.

'I would like to directly appeal to anyone who may have captured images or footage before and after the incident to contact us immediately.
'In particular we would like to speak to a black male who was wearing a white tracksuit top who witnesses saw taking images at the scene.

'He is not a suspect, but we urge him to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

'I would appeal to him or anyone else to contact us with the footage or images they took as a matter of urgency and not to upload them on the internet or share them with friends as it may harm our investigation.'

Local MP David Lammy condemned the 'horrendous' attack and said he was 'glad' a 46-year-old man was in custody on suspicion of murder.

Mr Lammy tweeted: 'Spoke to Haringey police re stabbing earlier. A horrendous attack in broad daylight. Glad that the suspect is in custody.'

He added: 'Thanks to paramedics and hospital staff for their efforts.'

Anyone with footage, images or information should call the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.