Chingford News

Tributes left for Chingford teen after stabbing

Friends and school staff have described 17-year-old Chima Osuji as a “lovely” and “polite” boy

Friends lay flowers for Chima at the scene (credit: Tom Quigly)

Flowers have been laid at the scene of a popular teenager’s violent death in Chingford this week, as tributes pour in on social media.

Shortly before 9.30pm on 10th April, 17-year-old Chima Osuji was walking with another boy in Longshaw Road when he was suddenly attacked and stabbed in the chest.

Members of the public rushed to his aid and both paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance did their best to save him but he sadly died at the scene.

Since his death, three teenage boys – two aged 16 and one just 15 – have been arrested. One of the older boys has been charged with murder.

Locals, particularly those who knew Chima from his time at Longshaw Primary Academy and Heathcote School, have paid tribute to a “lovely, polite young man”. 

Chima Osuji (courtesy of Met Police)

One friend wrote: “Can’t get over the loss of him. He was such a kind person, always made me feel safe, always made me laugh, always made me happy. 

“There was never ever a single time we would link and he wouldn’t make me laugh[…] you didn’t deserve this Chima.”

Another friend, who was with Chima earlier on the day he died, told the Evening Standard he was a “very good person” with no involvement in “any of the Waltham Forest gang stuff”.

They added: “Out of all my friends he was the nicest, most generous person. I can’t think of one person on this planet who would want to hurt him. There was no reason.”

In a tribute posted on Facebook, a staff member from Longshaw Primary School wrote: “Rest in Peace, dear sweet Chima. You were in our care[…] when you were a little boy. My heart breaks for your dear mum and family and friends. This should never have happened.”

A school dinner lady who remembered Chima wrote that he “was a lovely young boy” and always “nice and polite” to her.

The 16-year-old charged with Chima’s murder made his first appearance in court at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court yesterday and will make a plea at a later date.

The other 16-year-old arrested after his death remains in police custody, while the 15-year-old boy has been bailed until a date in early July. 

Following Chima’s death, Waltham Forest Council’s cabinet member for community safety, Khevyn Limbajee, released a statement expressing “deep sadness” at the tragedy.

He wrote: “Too many of our young people are afraid of violence in Waltham Forest when they should instead feel secure. 

“We and our partners are using all the powers and tools available to us to make our community a safe place where young people and their families can enjoy their lives.

“The council is working closely with local police colleagues to reassure the community and we will provide extra presence in the area over the next few days. 

“Please speak to our neighbourhood officers about any concerns you have when you see them. They will listen and take forward these concerns as we work to make the area safer.”

He also encouraged anyone with information about the crime to contact police on 101, citing the reference number CAD 6358/10Apr, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 


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