West Ham Park stabbing: Boy dies as police start murder probe

A 16-year-old boy, who was fighting for his life after being stabbed in Newham, has died.

The boy was found with knife injuries by police in West Ham Park in Forest Gate at around 5.30pm on Sunday (July 9).

Officers performed emergency first aid before London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance arrived.

They took the boy to an east London hospital where he was in a critical condition.

A Met Police spokesperson has now confirmed the boy has died.

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A murder investigation has been launched by officers following his death.

A 14-year-old and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday and taken to an east London police station. They were subsequently released on bail pending further enquiries.

Two other 16-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and they remain in police custody at this time.

A formal identification of the victim is still due, but the Met spokesperson said that the boy’s family has been notified.

Borough commander for Newham, Ch Supt Simon Crick, said the incident will “send shockwaves through his communities”.

He appealed to people, who would have been in the park at the time of the stabbing, to come forward.

He said: “My thoughts at this time are with the victim’s family and friends. As a father myself I can only imagine the pain they are suffering.”

Officers have urged anyone with information to call them on 101, giving the reference CAD 5423/09JUL.

Anonymous tips can also be sent to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.