Boy, 15, stabbed to death during brawl after birthday party

A boy has been stabbed to death after leaving a birthday party in Romford, east London.

The party had been attended by up to 100 youths and the fighting broke out as the group left the event at North Romford Community Centre on Saturday night.

The 15-year-old was found with knife wounds and died at the scene.

His family has been told but his identity has not been released.

Police were called just after 9pm after reports of fighting and damage to the community centre in Clockhouse Lane.

Three youths have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are being questioned at separate police stations in east London.

A bus driver aged in his 50s was treated at the scene for a head injury but there were no other injuries reported.

Detective Sergeant Gurj Singh said: “I would like to directly appeal to those present to contact police about what they saw and heard to help my team build a clearer picture of what took place.

“Equally, if you have video footage or images of the violent aftermath to the party, we need to hear from you.”

Witness Ellie Richardson told Sky News she “was in the garden and we heard shouting from boys. I looked over the fence and there were kids screaming and crying, saying ‘he’s dead’.

“We saw a big crowd around the corner and there were kids trying to see if he was alive and turning him over. Police and ambulance came, it was all locked off.”

Response Team Inspector Michael O’Donoghue, from the Met’s East Area, added: “We will continue to provide a high-visibility presence and officers will be on hand to hear from those from the local community.”

After visiting the area, local MP Andrew Rosindell said news of the boy’s death was “devastating” for residents.

“We must now wait for all the facts about this incident to be released,” he said.

“Until then, our condolences must go to the family of the young boy whose life has so tragically been cut short on our streets.”

Mr Rosindell said he would be talking to Home Secretary Sajid Javid and would be pressing him on the need for more police support in outer areas of London.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Anyone involved in this tragic incident will swiftly face the full force of the law. If you have any information at all about the incident last night – please report this to the police.

“There is no honour in remaining silent.”

He noted how “violent crime is rising across our country and these senseless deaths are devastating families and communities, causing pain, loss and fear”.

:: Any witnesses or people with information are urged to call the incident room on 0208 345 3775 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They can also give information online.

(c) Sky News 2018: Boy, 15, stabbed to death during brawl after birthday party