Boy, 13, is questioned over knife killing of footballer

Victim: Jahmal Mason-Blair was stabbed to death when he acted as peacemaker in a fight over a bicycle
Peter Dominiczak12 April 2012

Police have been given more time to question a 13-year-old boy arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of young footballer Jahmal Mason-Blair.

The 17-year-old was stabbed to death in the early hours of Saturday morning in Hackney, east London. A 13-year-old has been arrested in connection with the stabbing and police have been granted an extension until midday today to interview him and continue their investigations.

Locals said today that Mr Mason-Blair, who had trials for Tottenham Hotspur and Reading, was stabbed in the neck when he acted as a peacemaker in a fight between his cousin and another youngster over a bicycle.

Mr Mason-Blair's father, Wesley Blair, collapsed with breathing difficulties-when he heard of his son's death and was taken to hospital. The 17-year-old's mother, Tetela Rafeal, lives in Florida and is believed to be flying to the UK.

Mr Mason-Blair is the ninth teen to die in violent circumstances in London this year.

Friends and family today told of the devastation after the stabbing in Amhurst Road. They said Mr Mason-Blair was not in a gang and was an innocent victim.

His teenage niece Daryien said: "He was a good boy and he was never in trouble. He never lived by the knife or the gun, he just lived for his football. He was a role model to me, he was more like my brother. He didn't deserve to die and I just want to say, Jahmal, rest in peace."

Eyewitnesses told how Mr Mason-Blair had desperately pleaded "help me, help me", as he bled to death in the street.

One witness, who would only identify himself as Selly J, 44, said: "I heard he wasn't actually involved and there were two people fighting and he was just trying to calm it down. The fight was over a bike which is really petty.

"Something happened and there was a conflict over a bike and Jahmal's younger cousin was fighting another young boy and Jahmal tried to stop the fight. He was a peacemaker. It wasn't meant to happen. The victim was screaming help me, help me'. It is just sad that these things are happening."

Friends described the teen as "quiet and polite" and said he was dedicated to football.

One friend, who would only give her name as Bev, said: "I worked with his mum and I am just very, very shocked. Jahmal played for the Shoreditch Neighbourhood Wardens team and was their star player and then he went on to have trials at Spurs. He always had a ball in his hand and he was just dedicated about football. He wanted to be a professional - that was his dream. He was a quiet and very polite young man."

Yvonnne Young, whose son Jordan, 17, was a close friend of the murdered teen, said: "He was a very, very lovely boy and he was not in a gang - I know that for a fact. All his friends are just in pieces. Everyone knew he was committed to his football and committed to his dream."

A police spokesman said: "We have a 13-year-old in custody and magistrates have given us a 36-hour extion in which to question him."

Anyone with information on the stabbing should call the incident room on 0208 8345 1570 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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