A 15-year-old boy has been stabbed to death today in Hackney outside a primary school’s gates.
The teen was knifed at around 4.05pm in Stellman Close with a large cordon in place around Bethnal Primary School and the Rooftop Nursery.
He was pronounced dead at the scene as police today launched a hunt for the knifeman who was seen running away following the fatal stabbing.
Met Police said officers were in the process of informing the youngster’s next of kin.
Forensic officers have been combing the area for evidence all afternoon and tonight.
A team of forensic officers at the scene of where a teenage boy was knifed to death in Hackney
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, in charge of policing in Hackney, said: ‘The death of a child is devastating and my first thoughts are with his family and friends.
‘Our communities will also be deeply concerned by this event. Urgent enquiries are underway and my officers are working hard to identify the suspects.
‘Local residents can expect to see a notable police presence in the area as the investigation continues and there will be road closures in the Stellman Close area for some time.
‘I would appeal to anyone with information about the incident to call us on 101 quoting CAD 5387/23Jul.
‘Our communities have shown their strength in coming forward to support the police in tackling knife crime and I ask for their support again after this dreadful event.’
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, leading the investigation, said: ‘We know this happened in a busy area during the day and there would have been people around.
‘The suspect is believed to have run away from the scene and I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Stellman Close area around 4pm to contact police.’
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 5387/23Jul or call Crimestoppers, 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.