Stratford stabbing: Schoolboy, 15, knifed to death outside McDonalds in east London

Police are investigating the incident
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A schoolboy has been knifed to death in a broad daylight attack outside a shopping centre in Stratford, east London.

The 15-year-old victim had just alighted a bus near Tramway Avenue before he was involved in an "altercation" and fatally stabbed, police said.

Friends rushed to his aid and paramedics were scrambled to the scene following the incident on Thursday evening, but the boy was pronounced dead shortly before 4pm.

A second teenager, also 15, was found suffering stab wounds and rushed to hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening, Scotland Yard said.

Police sealed off the surrounding streets as an investigation was launched into the stabbing
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A blue and white police forensic tent was set up in front of an entrance to the Stratford Shopping Centre, which appeared to have been closed by police.

Forensic officers in blue boiler suits could be seen within the cordon.

A witness to the incident said that the attack happened outside a McDonalds in Stratford.

A teenage boy has been knifed to death in Stratford
Daniella Maison

"At that moment there were not many people around him so I could see him all covered in blood. He was in pain and tried getting up," they said.

"There were people around gathering. It was scary as you did not know if any of them could have had a knife too."

One stall worker said he had been at a cafe in the centre when he saw police arrive.

Police search the area following the fatal knife attack
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He said he saw paramedics trying to perform first aid to a "young guy" outside the entrance to the Stratford Centre.

A section 60 order, which gives police stronger stop-and-search powers, was put in place for the entire borough of Newham.

Scotland Yard is investigating and has appealed for information on the attack, which unfolded shortly before 3.20pm.

The victim's next of kin have been informed.

A cordon is in place at the scene (@Slimpriz/PA Wire)
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DCI Chris Soole, who is leading the force's investigation, said: “First and foremost are thoughts are with this young man’s family and friends. They so tragically are having to come to terms with this terrible loss of life.

“The victim of this stabbing was a schoolboy with his whole life ahead of him. He had everything to live for. This was a senseless attack and we share the concern and alarm this murder will no doubt cause in the local community. We will do everything we catch those involved and bring them to justice.

“What we know now is that the victim was attacked on or shortly after alighting from a bus which stopped very close to Stratford Shopping Centre near Tramway Avenue. An altercation took place and he was fatally wounded.

“Were you there? Did you see anything? This is a very busy area and lots of people would have been out on the school-run or making their way home. We know that the victim’s friends came to his aid and members of the public provided first aid at the scene. We need anyone else who has information and has not yet spoken to police to come forward.

“A Section 60 is in place for the whole of Newham borough as a result of this incident. Enquiries, including review of local CCTV footage and forensic analysis is in hand. We are working quickly to build a clear and full picture of precisely what unfolded. If you have information, do the right thing and get in touch.”

Anyone who can assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 4644/01OCT19.

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