Teenager arrested on suspicion of murder following fatal stabbing on Hackney Road

The victim is yet to be formally identified. Photograph: Ray Forster

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 17-year-old boy died from stab wounds last weekend.

The suspect, also aged 17, was taken into custody yesterday as police continue to appeal for information.

Officers were called to reports of a stabbing on Hackney Road, near the Cremer Street junction, at 22.53pm on Saturday 17 February.

They arrived to find the victim suffering from knife injuries, and despite the best efforts of paramedics, the boy sadly died at the scene.

His family have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke said: “A family has been left devastated following the tragic death of yet another young man on our streets.

“We have been working tirelessly to establish what happened and find whoever is responsible for this shocking attack.

“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.”

The victim is yet to be formally identified. A post-mortem examination will take place on tomorrow at Poplar Mortuary.

Officers have been interviewing witnesses, carrying out forensic work, trawling through CCTV footage, and carrying out house-to-house enquiries.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “My thoughts are with the family of this young man 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 remain in place for the ongoing forensic examination of the scene and local people will continue to see additional patrols in the area.

“If you have any concerns or information please speak with those officers. They are there to support you.”

Anyone with information and any witnesses yet to speak with police are asked to call 101, quoting reference CAD 7553/17Feb.

To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.