Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was stabbed to death at a south London train station during rush hour on Monday evening.

An air ambulance was sent to East Croydon station at 4.45pm after reports of the stabbing. Officers from the British Transport and Metropolitan police forces, as well as two ambulances, also attended.

The man was treated by paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene, a spokesperson from London Air Ambulance said.

Police believe the incident occurred close to the back entrance of the station, near Ruskin Square, at around 4.30pm.

A cordon is in place while police conduct inquiries. Rail and Tramlink services into East Croydon were not disrupted by the incident.

British Transport Police Det Supt Gareth Williams described the incident as “deeply shocking”, saying the station was “very busy” when it happened.

“Tragically, a young man has lost his life tonight and I know this will be heartbreaking news for his family,” he said. “We have now launched a murder inquiry and I am urgently appealing for any witnesses to get in touch.”

Williams said both the Met and British Transport Police would be stepping up patrols in the area. Police have also been authorised to stop and search people regardless of whether or not they are suspected of carrying weapons under powers available to them in cases of violent crimes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 395 of 27 January, or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.