The family of a teenager stabbed to death in a children’s park today told of their devastation as murder detectives launched a manhunt for two teenage suspects.
Stefan Appleton, 18, was repeatedly stabbed in the back and chest with a machete by a pillion passenger on a moped ridden into the busy play area in Islington at just after 6pm on Wednesday.
Witnesses said the knifeman, wearing dark clothing and a black helmet, “flashed” the weapon before stabbing him at least five times in the back and chest.
Stefan tried to cycle to a relative’s house but collapsed in a pool of blood just 30 yards away from the scene in Caldy Walk, Canonbury.
He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
His sister Paige-Ashlei Appleton today thanked well-wishers for rallying around her devastated family.
She wrote on Facebook: “The boy who got stabbed was my brother, such a lovely boy taken too soon. Me and my family appreciate the love and support from everyone.”
His cousin Tanisha Cambron said the family was “heartbroken.”
She wrote on Facebook: “I thought this pain couldn’t get any worse, but to wake up and realise this is not just a nightmare, this is our reality.. is the worst feeling ever. We are so heartbroken.
“This is just not right. No-one has the right to end a life like this. He had so much more to give.”
Police today stepped up patrols in the area around Nightingale Park as they sought to assure locals they are doing: “all that we can following this tragic incident”.
The moped had a clear front screen and an L plate at the back, while the pillion passenger wore dark clothing and a black helmet, detectives said.
Islington borough commander Chief Superintendent Catherine Roper said: “We have extra officers on the street carrying out targeted patrols and have increased the number of high visibility reassurance patrols conducted across the borough to ensure all those within the community feel safe.”
No arrests have been made.
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3734 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
