Dead youth was stabbed in heart

Police officer guarding closed off area of Ilford town centre

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

A teenager who died in Ilford, east London, early on Saturday was killed by stab wounds to the heart, a post-mortem examination has found.

The victim, who is believed to be 19, was found dead on Ilford High Road. Two people were arrested soon afterwards and a third was arrested on Sunday.

Another youth, aged 17, is "serious but stable" in hospital with stab wounds thought not 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 two teenagers and a group of up to three other males. A weapon has been recovered.

Shops closed

The post-mortem examination was carried out on the victim on Sunday. Police said they would not be releasing his name until later.

They are still seeking witnesses to the incident, which happened at around 0330 GMT on Saturday.

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."

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 on Saturday.