Hoxton stabbing: Police arrest teenager after 17-year-old stabbed to death

Friends of the victim have paid tribute to the ‘good soul’ who died in Hackney Road, close to Hoxton station, on Saturday
John Dunne @jhdunne19 February 2024
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Police have arrested a teenager on suspicion of murder after a 17-year-old was stabbed to death in east London.

The victim died after neighbours described hearing “desperate screams” as he lay on the roadside.

Police were scrambled to Hackney Road, close to Hoxton station, at just before 11pm on Saturday.

The Metropolitan Police said that a 17-year-old was arrested on Monday on suspicion of murder. He remained in custody and was being questioned by officers.

A crime scene tent marks the spot where the boy died on Hackney Road.

Neighbours described hearing screaming and a frantic battle to save the teenager as dozens of police officers swooped.

A student, 22, whose flat overlooks the scene, said: “I heard desperate screaming and some male voices shouting. It was horrible. I can’t get the noises out of my head, it was obvious someone had been badly hurt. I only moved in last month it’s really affected me.”

A mother-of-two, 51, said: “My husband had taken the dog for a walk and when he came back said he had seen some dodgy looking boys hanging around but didn’t think much of it. Then we heard the sirens and the road was lit with the blue lights from the police cars and ambulances. Apparently some passers by tried to help, we are gutted for the boy and his family.”

Shoreditch stabbing
Forensic officers work near to the scene
PA

A third neighbour said paramedics worked on the boy but could see they were struggling to revive him.

The pensioner said: “They worked hard but you could see it was a losing battle.”

Friends of the victim laid flowers and tributes at the scene of the fatal stabbing, describing him as “good soul”. 

One card said: “You were a good soul inside and, so genuine, rest safe. Known you longer than I can remember can’t imagine the world without you in it. Rest in peace brother.” Forensic experts have been scouring the scene for clues while officers carry out door to door inquiries and experts trawl through CCTV images from around the area.

The teenager is the second to be killed in London this year. The first was Tyler Donnelly, 19, who was found by joggers with fatal stab wounds in a park in Feltham on January 25.

A crime scene was still in place on Monday morning
John Dunne/ES

A total of 21 teenagers were killed in the capital last year, up from 14 in 2022. The number peaked at 30 in 2021.

Police have deployed extra officers near the Shoreditch crime scene to reassure residents as the murder hunt continues.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who runs policing in Hackney and Haringey, said: “My thoughts are with the family of the young person who has tragically lost his life. I can assure them that we will be relentless in seeking to identify whoever was responsible for this murder.

“Cordons are in place in Hackney Road for forensic examination of the scene and we have launched what will be an extremely thorough investigation, supported by specialists from across the Met.

“Local people will also see additional patrols in Shoreditch. If you have any concerns or information please speak with those officers. They are there to support you.”

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, from Specialist Crime North, added: “While we have already spoken to a number of people, the incident took place on a busy road and we know there will have been others in the area at the time who are yet to come forward. I would ask those individuals to make contact and tell us what you saw.”

Anyone with information or witnesses are asked to call 101, ref 7553/17Feb. To remain anonymous, please contact the Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

*Three men have been charged with the murder of 19-year-old Tyler Donnelly in Feltham.

Daniel Matos, 21, of Craston Close, Hounslow, Keith Preddie, 32, of Shore Close, Feltham, and Joshua Cowley, 27, of Avonwick Road, Hounslow, are accused of killing the teenager.

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