Two held over teenager stab death

A large part of Ilford town centre was closed off on Saturday

Two people are still being questioned after a teenager was stabbed to death in Ilford, in east London.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the youth was found dead on Ilford High Road in the early hours of Saturday. A weapon has been recovered by police.

The victim is believed to be aged 19. Another youth, aged 17, is in hospital with stab wounds, which are not thought to be life-threatening.

A total of 28 teenagers have now died in violent incidents in London in 2008.

Police said the incident happened after an altercation between the two teenagers and a group of up to three other males.

Shops closed

Det Ch Insp John MacDonald said: "As the incident unfolded, we understand a group of people gathered in the Clements Road area, who I believe would have witnessed the incident.

"In particular, I am keen to speak to a young female in that group who may have had some interaction with the suspects prior to the attack."

Police said they believe they know the identity of the dead teenager, and are in the process of informing next of kin.

A large section of Ilford town centre was cordoned off, including parts of Clements Lane, Clements Road and Ilford High Road, with several shops closed for the day.

Police officers and forensic teams were on the streets in the area searching in bins and on the ground before the cordon was lifted shortly after 1700 GMT.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said on Saturday evening: "A weapon has been recovered but it is too early to say if it is the murder weapon."

He said that a post-mortem examination was scheduled to take place on Sunday.

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