A man who carried out a violent and unprovoked knife attack on two strangers at Kennington Underground station has been jailed for 11 years. Nicholas Orlando Green, 36, of Kennington Park Road, was convicted in September at Inner London Crown Court of two counts of Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent, as well as possession of a bladed article and common assault.

The court heard how the victims, aged 44 and 42, had arrived at the station on 27 March 2024 after attending a dance class nearby. They separated onto different platforms shortly before Green entered the station and walked down to the platform level. Moments later, he launched into a sudden assault, repeatedly stabbing the elder man for around 20 seconds. Even after the victim collapsed, Green continued inflicting blows.

The second victim rushed to intervene after hearing the disturbance, only to become the next target. Green stabbed him 13 times, knocking him to the floor before shocked commuters stepped in. On his way out, Green assaulted a 31-year-old woman near the lift before fleeing the scene.

Both men were taken to hospital with serious injuries. The 44-year-old sustained multiple stab wounds to his chest and a fractured arm, while the second man suffered 13 stab injuries in total. A fast-paced British Transport Police investigation quickly identified Green using the bank card used to tap into the station. He was arrested the following day at his Kennington flat, where officers located the clothing and footwear he wore during the attack, along with evidence he had attempted to wash them.

BTP Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said:

"This was a truly horrific and unprovoked attack that left two innocent men with life-altering physical and psychological injuries that they continue to recover from. Green has never provided an explanation of his torrent of violence. During police interviews he repeatedly laughed, lied, argued and tried to frustrate our investigation as much as he could, but our officers worked tirelessly to gather crucial evidence that helped the jury see through his lies and bring him to justice. I hope this sentencing brings some measure of justice and reassurance to the victims and their loved ones. We will stop at nothing to ensure violent offenders like Green are held to account and removed from the streets.”

Police are urging anyone who witnesses or experiences crime on the rail network to report it by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, call 999.

Image: British Transport Police