Death of boy in front of parents puts London toll at 119

THE GRIM tally of violent deaths in London so far this year has reached 119 after the death of a 16-year-old boy in front of his devastated parents.

A witness described hearing the teenager’s mother screaming at the scene of the suspected stabbing in Tulse Hill, south London, on Monday.

The boy, named locally as John, was “bubbly” and “had manners”, according to one of his friends.

Police were called to reports of a shooting in Greenleaf Close at 10.53pm. Paramedics tried to save the teenager, but he was pronounced dead at 11.41pm.

Officers yesterday said they believe the boy had suffered stab wounds and said there is no evidence that a gun was fired.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Vandenbergh said: “We believe the victim was attacked by a number of suspects and the altercation would have undoubtedly drawn the attention of those who were in the vicinity.

“Did you see or hear anything? If so, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, please call your information could prove to be crucial.”

There have been 119 violent deaths in London so far this year, including two cases that are being treated as self-defence.

A third of the 117 remaining cases involved victims aged 16 to 24, while 20 were teenagers.

The total is nearing that seen for the whole of last year, after five fatal suspected stabbings in the space of the past week.

One witness to the aftermath of the Tulse Hill murder said the boy looked “like an angel”.

Paulina Wedderburn saw the victim’s emotional mother and father were at the scene and said it took some 15 minutes for emergency crews to arrive.

“The boy was laying down. He looked like an angel, like he was sleeping,” Mrs Wedderburn said yesterday morning.

“I just feel sorry for the mum. The mum’s screams, I can’t get out of my head. It’s awful. Imagine being a mother seeing that.”