Renell Charles was stabbed in the chest near his school in Walthamstow (Picture: PA/UKNIP)
A 16-year-old boy who died in a ‘brutal’ knife attack metres from his school has been named and a pictured by police.
Renell Charles was stabbed in Walthamstow, east London, just after 4pm on Friday.
He died at the scene, close to Kelmscott School where he was a Year 11 student, in front of other pupils and bystanders who had witnessed the attack.
Following the launch of a murder investigation, police today confirmed a 16-year-old boy was arrested in the early hours of Sunday on suspicion of murder, after he attended an east London police station.
The teenager remains in custody, while Renell’s family are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the Met’s investigation, asked for images and footage that may help the investigation to be shared with police.
DCI Rogers said: ‘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.
Police and ambulance at the scene of the attack (Picture: Joshua B 2023)
‘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.
‘If you wish to submit images or footage anonymously, please share via Crimestoppers, or you can contact the Major Incident Room where one of my team will be able to take your call. You can also share the images via the Public Portal.’
He added: ‘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 dashcam 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.’
Police cordoned off the area in Walthamstow (Credits: Joshua B 2023)
A post-mortem examination took place on Saturday and found the cause of death to be a stab wound to the chest.
In a statement on Friday, Kelmscott head teacher Sam Jones said: ‘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 tightknit 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.’
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Grace Williams, leader of Waltham Forest Council, said in a statement: ‘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.
‘Their loss is our loss. The people of Waltham Forest and beyond will be shocked by this senseless act.’
Anyone with information, images or footage has been asked to submit it using the police’s Public Portal or to call the Major Incident Room directly on 020 8345 3715.
People are also to tweet @MetCC, quoting the reference CAD 4965/5MAY, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The stabbing was one of three fatal knife attacks involving young people that happened in east London within eight hours of each other on Friday.
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A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder
