London bus murder victim named as Archie Sheppard, 48

A man who was murdered on a London bus has been named as Archie Sheppard. The 48-year-old from Neasden was knifed to death in a 'violent and sustained attack' on the top deck of a Route 189 bus in Marylebone on Friday (28 April).

Police investigating the murder said the attacker fled as the bus stopped. The victim's body was discovered by a fellow passenger who went to the upper deck.

Emergency services were called to the bus in Gloucester Place at 12.10am, but Mr Sheppard was pronounced dead at the scene.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man with Mr Sheppard shortly before he boarded the bus in Brent Cross, north London, at 11.13pm on Thursday.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, said: "Our inquiries so far have established that Mr Sheppard and the man we are seeking to trace were seen talking together while waiting at the bus station.

"They both boarded a Route 189 bus and made their way to the upper deck where they sat separately. We are exploring the possibility that Mr Sheppard may have known his attacker and it is vital that anyone who saw the two men talking prior to boarding the bus contacts us.

"Approximately 40 minutes into the journey, Mr Sheppard was subjected to a violent and sustained attack."

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on Saturday. Mr Sheppard's next of kin have been informed Mail Online reports.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or the events leading up to the murder has been asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the crimestoppers-uk.org website.