Two arrested over schoolboy stabbing

Two boys, aged 14 and 15, were tonight arrested on suspicion of the murder of 14-year-old Leroy James who was stabbed to death in Enfield yesterday, Scotland Yard said

It comes after officers were called were called to Ponders End recreation ground in Enfield at around 5.30pm on Tuesday.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “He was found dead in the park, with a stab wound.”

The teenager has been named as 14-year-old Leroy James.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Goode, leading the investigation, said: “We urgently need to trace anyone who was in the park around that time on Wednesday afternoon, and who may have seen the incident in which Leroy was stabbed.” She said witnesses had reported that Leroy was in an altercation with at least one boy.

“At this early stage we retain an open mind on the circumstances of the assault, and do need the public’s assistance.”

Eyewitnesses described seeing Leroy’s distraught father weeping in the park on Wednesday evening. Local resident Roxy Bagun, 19, said the killers have “got no fear any more” adding “they had the guts to do it right in front of a police station.”

Friends’ tributes

Friends and schoolmates reacted with shock to the death as hundreds joined a Facebook page set up in his memory.

“Leroy you was like my little brother and i loved you with all my heart,” wrote one friend.

“Im going to miss not seeing your face everyday and bussing bare jokes. I felt i could talk to you about anything and i will always remember the things you have done for me. I will never forget you and always love you.”

Another boy, who cannot be named, added: “I’m so glad I got the chance to tell you that I love you. I can’t accept that you’re gone… Everyone loved you fam.”

Leroy, from Edmonton, north London, was the eighth teenager stabbed to death in the capital this year.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.