By James Simons-
Police are seeking the murderer of a teenager who was stabbed to death outside a suburban primary school on Easter Monday.
The victim, 17, was found dying from a single stab wound in Longshaw Road, Chingford at 9.20pm. just outside Longshaw Academy
Teams from both the land and air ambulance services as well as members of the public tried to save him but he died at the scene. His family has been told.
Police, paramedics and an air ambulance rushed to the scene but the teen was pronounced dead before he could be taken to hospital.
His next of kin have been have been informed and a murder investigation has been launched by the Met. No arrests have been made, meaning the culprit remains at large.
The road where the attack took place runs alongside Longshaw Primary School between Withy Mead and Connington Crescent, not far from Hatch Lane.
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, local policing commander for north-east London, said: “This is a tragic incident and I am devastated that a young life has been lost as a result of knife crime.
“My thoughts are with the victim’s family at this incredibly difficult time. Incidents such as this have a devastating impact on families, friends and our local communities.
“We have a dedicated team of detectives working on the investigation. They have been at the scene overnight and will remain there today as they carry out further enquiries.
“This work is being supported by additional local patrols who are there to respond to any concerns within the community.”
Detectives are viewing CCTV and carrying out door to door inquiries, Mr Crick said. They have already spoken to some witnesses and are keen to hear from anyone else who has information about what happened.
Paramedics, police and neighbours fought to save the teenager but he was declared dead at the scene.
A Met spokesman said on Tuesday: “Officers were on the scene within three minutes along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.
“They found a 17-year-old boy with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of members of the public and the emergency services, he died at the scene.
“His next of kin have been informed.”
A murder investigation has been launched and is being led by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick said: “This is a tragic incident and I am devastated that a young life has been lost as a result of knife crime.
“Incidents such as this have a devastating impact on families , friends and our local communities.
“We have a dedicated team of detectives working on the investigation. They have been at the scene overnight and will remain there today as they carry out further enquiries.
“This work is being supported by additional local patrols who are there to respond to any concerns within the community.”
Forensic teams were seen sweeping the area outside the front gates to Longshaw Primary School on Tuesday morning.
Police have also sealed off an overflowing clothes bank on a high street.
Detectives are reviewing CCTV from the area and carrying out door-to-door enquiries. They have already spoken to some witnesses.
One dog walker told the Standard: “I feel so sad for someone so young to lose their life like that. It could have been my boyfriend.”
Friends of the slain teen said he was stabbed to death outside Longford Primary the same school he attended as a child.
One school friend told the Standard: “He was one of the most clean-hearted guys I know. He had no problems with anyone ever.
“He was on his own path doing his own thing. He loved going out and being with his friends.
He added: “I’m just in shock, that’s the only thing I feel.
“I lost touch with him in recent months. I just can’t believe it was him.”
Another friend who visited the scene told the Standard: “It could’ve been me. He was a good friend, a very good person.
“Out of all my friends he was the nicest, most generous person. He was quiet but once you got to know him he got active. He liked to dance.
“We hung out all day that day just chilling. He was completely fine he had no reason to be looking over his shoulder.”
No arrests have been made.
The boy’s family have been informed and are being supported by family liaison officers. A post-mortem examination will take place “in due course”, the Met said.
Any witnesses are asked to tweet @MetCC or call 101 quoting CAD 6358/10Apr. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.