Pictured: Boy, 15, stabbed to death in Islington attack as music video was being filmed that also saw 23-year-old man killed as police arrest suspect, 46, for murder
- Leonardo Reid, 15, from Islington, was found with stab wounds and died at scene
- Witnesses said the group were filming a music video and doing laughing gas
This is the face of a 15-year-old boy stabbed to death as youths chugged laughing gas, admired flash cars and filmed a music video in north London.
Police named the lad as Islington local Leonardo Reid, as they said a man has been arrested in connection with his murder and that of a 23-year-old young man who also died in the knife attack.
The 46-year-old remains in custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Leonardo Reid was found with stab wounds and pronounced dead at the scene, which is near a nursery, at 11.30pm on Thursday.
A 23-year-old man who had also been stabbed was taken to a west London hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The pair were killed amid a large gathering of people witnesses said were filming a music video and doing laughing gas.
The boy, 15, who has been named as Leonardo Reid (pictured), from Islington, was found with stab wounds and pronounced dead at the scene, which is near a nursery, just after midnight
The scene at Elthorne Road, Islington, where a boy and a young man were stabbed to death
A police cordon was in place and a Section 60 Order granting police additional stop and search powers was authorised
Shocked locals described being kept awake by a group of up to 40 youngsters who appeared to be recording a ‘rap’ video around luxury cars before a ‘commotion’ broke out at the late-night street party in Islington, north London.
A third victim, believed to be aged 28, was found at an address in the Archway area with a stab wound. He was taken to hospital where he remains and his condition is not thought to be life threatening.
A Section 60 Order granting police additional stop and search powers was authorised as a 50 metre cordon remains around the tragic scene.
A resident in the area, Mark, 39, told MyLondon: ‘I went to work at 11:20pm and they were all there. We don’t get gatherings like this around here, it’s normally quiet out.
‘There were 20 of them doing laughing gas. They were surprisingly subdued for a crowd that size. But my radar went off.
‘There were water bottles getting thrown at the wall, they were starting to get boisterous. I could feel the aggression starting to up a little bit.
‘I got back at 2:20am and it was all cordoned off.’
Forensic officers in Elthorne Road, Islington, London after a man and a teenager were stabbed to death
One man, who did not want to be named, saw around 40 people listening to loud music as they loitered in the street where they had parked luxury cars, including Mercedes and Audis.
They appeared to be filming on their phones until a fight broke out and he called the police.
A woman, describing a similar scene, said the group were just ‘hanging around’, adding: ‘All of a sudden I heard a commotion.
‘I heard one of them shout, ‘get up’ – that’s when I realised he was on the floor.
‘I watched the police trying to resuscitate him right in front of me.’
Another neighbour added that the group were recording on their phones and playing the same song on repeat.
One witness told the Evening Standard: ‘There was filming and then all hell let loose. There were a lot of kids, some very young hanging around. It’s a tragedy. We are all shaken.’
Regina Agyeiwaa, 54, said: ‘There were paramedics at the scene working hard. I saw a bloody pair of jeans on the road, it was just horrible. For this to happen on our doorstep is terrifying.’
A double murder investigation has been launched and police are appealing for information
Formal identification and post-mortem examinations will be conducted in due course, detectives said
Police believe a large number of people were present when the attack took place and are urging witnesses and those with information to come forward.
They have informed the next of kin of the two victims killed in the incident. They are being supported by specially trained officers.
Post-mortem examinations will be conducted in due course, Police said.
The Specialist Crime Command have launched an investigation. An extensive crime scene is in place and urgent enquiries are ongoing.
Chief Superintendent Andy Carter said: ‘My thoughts are with the families of the two victims who have suffered such an unimaginable loss in this shocking and unacceptable incident.
‘We will support our colleagues as they investigate and members of the public will see an increased policing presence in the area.
‘I urge anyone who has information that can help us establish exactly what has happened to approach those officers or contact us immediately.
‘A man and boy have lost their lives and we must now work together to identify those responsible and remove them from our streets.’
Superindendent Jack May-Robinson from the Metropolitan Police speaking to the media in Elthorne Road, Islington
Speaking from the crime scene, Neighbourhood Superintendent for Islington Jack May-Robinson said he would not be answering any questions from the press.
He said: ‘I’m the Superintendent in charge of community policing here in the borough of Islington.
‘It saddens me to tell you that a boy and a young man were fatally stabbed last night in Elthorne Road, here in Islington.
‘A third victim is in hospital with serious injuries that are thankfully not thought to be life threatening.
‘We were called at just after 11.30 last night to reports of a stabbing and despite the efforts of our colleagues, and with support from the London Ambulance Service, a 15 year old boy was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
‘A second victim aged 23 had been taken to hospital where he also died from his injuries.
‘The families of both victims have been notified and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.
‘I asked that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this indescribable loss.
The Specialist Crime Command have launched an investigation. An extensive crime scene is in place and urgent enquiries are ongoing
‘We are working closely with our specialist crime colleagues who are conducting inquiries to identify and apprehend those involved. A section 60 order granting officers additional stop and search powers has been authorised and additional patrols will be conducted to provide reassurance to the community.
‘Please approach those officers if you have any worries, concerns or information.
‘I urge anyone with information concerning this horrific incident to get in touch.
‘We are committed to work with our power partners to tackle street violence, but we can’t do this alone.
‘If you can help this investigation please do get in touch. We know that some people may be hesitant at coming forward with information.
‘But you can share what you know anonymously by independent charity Crimestoppers, who will not even ask for your name.
‘This is an area of rich community spirit and we thank the local people for their cooperation and assistance.
‘As our specialist crime police progress investigation will provide further updates and specs of the incident as it becomes available.’
Anyone who has information that could help police should call 101 or tweet @MetCC ref CAD 9383/29 Jun.
To remain 100% anonymous please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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