POLICE HAVE launched a murder investigation after a young teenager was stabbed on Monday, 25th May. Sadly, the young man died at the scene.

Just after 7pm police received reports that a large number of people had gathered in Towpath Walk, E9. The crowd was behaving in a disorderly manner, and some of those present were reported to be carrying machetes. As police were on their way, further reports came in: that there had been a stabbing, and that a firearm may have been discharged. The London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance also attended.

The Emergency Services found a teenage boy with stab wounds in Poplar Close, a small turning off Towpath Walk. They gave him immediate first aid, but despite their best endeavours he sadly died at the scene. The police are now going through the process of formally identifying the victim and informing his next of kind.

The area around the junction of Towpath Walk and Poplar Close has now been roped off as a crime scene, and police are carrying out inquiries in the area. They are trying to find witnesses so that they can establish what happened. They believe that some of those present may have recorded events on their mobiles.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Massink, of the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command, said, “Our thoughts remain with the victim and his family – we are working at pace to ensure all his loved ones are informed and offered specialist support from officers.

“For members of the local community, who will no doubt be shocked and saddened by the events of yesterday evening, increased police patrols are in place in the area. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak with one of our officers.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened or who has footage of the incident to come forward to police - your information could be vital. I would also ask those with videos or photographs not to post this on social media out of respect for the bereaved family.”

●Anyone who has any information is asked to phone the police on 101 and quote reference CAD/6692/25May. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111, You do not need to give your name and your call will be confidential.

●This is not the first murder in Towpath Walk. Tyrone Scott, 42, was stabbed to death there in March 2018. Rowmando Lewis, 28, was charged with murder shortly afterwards. He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in October that year.

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