Murder investigation launched after boy, 17, killed in north-west London | London

A murder investigation has been launched after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death in a street fight in north-west London.

The teenager died in Granville Road, Brent, at about 11.30pm on Friday. The fight is believed to have taken place on several roads nearby after a birthday party.

Another male, also believed to be 17, was taken to hospital, as was a woman in her early 20s, who suffered a hand injury. The Metropolitan police have been trying to contact party-goers who may have witnessed the incident.

A large area, including at least three roads, was cordoned off on Saturday afternoon, with forensic officers seen working outside an apartment block and a community centre, about a five-minute walk from each other.

Dozens of police officers were in the area, telling residents that cordons will be in place for the remainder of the weekend.

Rayan Assoui, 43, who lives nearby, said there have been many similar incidents in the area over the past few months.

He went on: “This area is getting worse, it’s not good, for this to happen to a young person is very sad.”

Det Ch Insp Mark Rogers, of the Metropolitan police, said: “We believe that there was a fight following a birthday party, which would have been attended by a number of people.

“I would urge anyone who was there, and who has not yet spoken with officers, to please come forward. It is vital that we establish what happened.

“I would also ask that anyone who may have captured any of last night’s events on their phone to also contact officers.”

The teenager’s family has been informed but no arrests have yet been made, with the force saying no updates are expected for the rest of the day.

Ch supt Dan Knowles said: “I know that the community will be shocked by this incident in which a young man has lost his life.

“We shall be working with our colleagues from specialist crime to ensure that this investigation proceeds as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

“Local residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area and I would encourage anyone with information, or concerns, to speak with them.”