TRIBUTES are flooding in for a youngster who was knifed to death, while another adolescent is being held on suspicion of murder.
Renell Charles, 16, was killed on Friday, making him the 150th youngster slain in London under Sadiq Khan’s reign.
Around 4 p.m., emergency personnel rushed to Kelmscott School on Markhouse Road, but Renell was sadly declared dead at the site.
He died with a stab wound to the chest, according to the autopsy.
A 16-year-old boy was detained this morning on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
The teen’s death came on the heels of two men being shot in east London yesterday in yet another night of carnage.
The school’s “devastated” headteacher, Sam Jones, confirmed that Renell was a pupil there.
He said in a statement: “A Kelmscott student was tragically killed in a senseless knife attack.
“This is the darkest of days for the student’s family and the Kelmscott community more broadly.”
In a separate statement released through Waltham Forest Council, Mr Jones added: “I cannot overstate how devastated I am by today’s senseless violence and I am sure the Kelmscott community shares my grief and sadness.
“Kelmscott is a large and tight-knit family and this loss will be felt for a long time to come.
“I urge our community to remain respectful of the victim’s family and the police investigation.
“We will be offering counselling and support to pupils affected by this tragedy.”
Councillor Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: “A 16 year-old boy has died senselessly in our borough.
“Nobody should have to deal with the loss of somebody so young and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers has outlined his appeal to the public, saying: “The arrest marks a significant development as part of our work. Renell’s family have been informed and our specially trained officers continue to provide them with support.
“This is a fast-moving investigation and we are aware that this brutal attack took place near a school, and was witnessed by many bystanders and young people.
“My thoughts are with them as they come to terms with seeing such an act of violence unfold and I would ask anyone with footage or images to do the right thing and send them into my team of detectives.
“We also know that there was heavy traffic on Markhouse Road at that time of day and we think there is a strong chance some people will have dash cam footage.
“Please review what you have and send anything that may assist the investigation without delay. A young boy has lost his life and evidence such as this can contribute to securing justice for his family and friends.”
It comes only days after four individuals were stabbed to death on the eve of the coronation in different events around the country.
Three of the homicides occurred in East London within eight hours of each other, as the capital’s knife crime pandemic showed no signs of abating.
Two youngsters, including a 16-year-old lad attacked outside his school, and a young guy wounded outside a McDonald’s in Bath, were among the casualties.
On the same day, a guy was shot in the back and taken to the hospital.