he victim of a “brutal attack” who was stabbed to death after leaving his school in Walthamstow has been named, as police revealed they have arrested a teenager on suspicion of murder.
Local resident Renell Charles, 16, was stabbed in the chest in front of a crowd of young people and drivers on Markhouse Road just after 4pm on Friday.
Sybourn Primary School and Kelmscott Secondary School both sit on Markhouse Road near St James Street Overground station.
The pupil at Kelmscott School was met outside by his attackers who were waiting for him, a resident said. He tried to escape but was stabbed a short distance away.
Police went to the scene but, despite the efforts of emergency workers, he died in the street at 4.39pm.
Sam Jones, the head teacher, said in a statement that the “senseless” knife attack marked the “darkest of days” for the school community.
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after attending an east London police station, Metropolitan Police said on Monday.
He remains in custody while and investigation is underway.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers is leading the Met’s investigation. He has asked for images and footage to be shared with police.
DCI Rogers said: “This is a fast moving investigation and we are aware that this brutal attack took place near a school, and was witnessed by many bystanders and young people.
“My thoughts are with them as they come to terms with seeing such an act of violence unfold and I would ask anyone with footage or images to do the right thing and send them into my team of detectives.
“If you wish to submit images or footage anonymously, please share via Crimestoppers, or you can contact the Major Incident Room where one of my team will be able to take your call. You can also share the images via the Public Portal.
“We also know that there was heavy traffic on Markhouse Road at that time of day and we think there is a strong chance some people will have dash cam footage.
“Please review what you have and send anything that may assist the investigation without delay. A young boy has lost his life and evidence such as this can contribute to securing justice for his family and friends.”
A post-mortem examination took place on Saturday and found cause of death to be a stab wound to the chest.
Anyone with information or footage should submit images or footage via Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or call the Major Incident Room directly on 020 8345 3715. You can also Tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 4965/5MAY. To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
In a statement on Friday, head teacher Sam Jones said: “I cannot overstate how devastated I am by today’s senseless violence and I am sure the Kelmscott community shares my grief and sadness. Kelmscott is a large and tightknit family and this loss will be felt for a long time to come.
“I urge our community to remain respectful of the victim’s family and the police investigation. We will be offering counselling and support to pupils affected by this tragedy.”
Councillor Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: “A 16 year-old boy has died senselessly today in our borough. Nobody should have to deal with the loss of somebody so young and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased.
“Their loss is our loss. The people of Waltham Forest and beyond will be shocked by this senseless act.”
Renell’s death is part of a series of horrific attacks across east London on the eve of the coronation.
The unrelated incidents took place over a period of eight hours on Friday evening.
Detectives started a murder investigation after a teenager was stabbed to death after two groups were reported fighting with machetes near Dagenham Heath Tube station.
Police and the London Ambulance Service were called shortly before midnight and found an 18-year-old man with stab injuries. He died a short time later.
Meanwhile three people were arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was fatally stabbed at a residential property on Mare Street, Hackney.
Police were called at 11.07pm on Friday and found a man in his late 20s, who was declared dead at the scene.
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