A 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in east London while picking his sister up from school has been named and pictured.
Pharrell Garcia, 15, was found with fatal stab wounds in Hackney, on a street near Bethnal Primary School.
Officers were called to Stellman Close, to reports of a stabbing at about 4pm, the Metropolitan Police said.
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
A youth worker in the area said: ‘The boy had been at his old primary school. I heard that after he went to the school he was supposed to meet a girl.
‘Then he was jumped, it was a set up. They demanded his phone, he refused and he was stabbed in the back.’
Another local said: ‘The boy used to go to the school. It’s an absolute tragedy. He came here on an innocent visit and ended up dead.’
Tributes have also come through for the young boy on social media, including from somebody who wrote: ‘Rest in peace bro. I heard this and broke down.
‘You have left your loved ones not just in tears but filled with questions.
‘You always would argue and fight me, make me laugh and walk around with a smile on your face. Can’t really say much other than Rip. Big bro.’
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said: ‘Tragically, a 15-year-old boy lost his life yesterday after he was stabbed in Stoke Newington.
‘We have informed the boy’s family, who are understandably heartbroken, and specially trained officers are supporting them at this unimaginably difficult time.
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‘Last night our detectives worked around the clock to start to piece together what happened and as a result of these enquiries we have arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody for questioning.
‘I know the community will be searching for answers today and will be shocked and angry at this tragic loss of life.
‘I want them to know that we will do everything in our power to provide those answers and bring those responsible to justice.’
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, leading the investigation, said: ‘We know this happened in a busy area during the day and there would have been people around.
‘The suspect is believed to have run away from the scene and I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Stellman Close area around 4pm to contact police.’
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