A 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in the street has been described by a neighbour as a “nice young man” who was “always laughing”.
A murder investigation is ongoing, but no arrests have been made at this stage.
Police were called to reports of a male stabbed in Woodman Street, North Woolwich, Newham, at 6.50pm today.
When officers attended the scene with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, they found a male suffering injuries.
Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed, police confirmed.
Detective Superintendent Paul Whiteman, Head of CID for the North East BCU, said: “I am shocked at this tragic loss of a young life and would appeal to any members of the local community to come forward with any information which might help bring those responsible to justice.
“Local officers will step up patrols in the area overnight and in the coming days to reassure the public and continue to target violent crime.”
A neighbour has said the victim, who he saw earlier on Friday, was a “nice young man” who was “always laughing”.
Lawrence Adu said he is a friend of the boy’s uncle and had known him “all his life”.
Mr Adu added: “I just got home, I’m so shocked.
“He’s a nice young man, very handsome and always laughing.”
Following the incident, a Section 60 order – which gives officers increased search powers – has been put in place for the borough of Newham.
It is in place until 7am tomorrow, December 12.
When a Section 60 is in place, it means police can search anyone in a certain area when there is evidence that serious violence has happened or may happen.
Elsewhere in the capital, officers were called to Whitton Road in Hounslow, west London, at around 6.15pm following reports of a stabbing.
A 17-year-old male was found with a stab wound and injuries consistent with those caused by a corrosive substance.
He was taken to a west London hospital to be treated for injuries believed to be life threatening.
