Another 16-year-old handed himself in to police and was arrested on suspicion of murder this weekend

A 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death outside his school in Walthamstow last week.

Renell Charles, from Leytonstone, was attacked at around 4pm on Friday, 5th May, outside Kelmscott School in Markhouse Road.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance, he died from his injuries, which included a stab wound to the chest, at the scene half an hour later.

In the early hours of Sunday, 8th May, police arrested another 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder after he handed himself in to a police station in East London. He remains in custody.

In a statement to parents and guardians on the Kelmscott School website, headteacher Sam Jones wrote: “This is the darkest of days for the student’s family and the Kelmscott community more broadly.

“Hold those that you love close this evening. I know we will come together as a community and support one another through this. I know your children may be very upset by this news and you’ll be there to support them. Students will also be able to talk to staff in school, and counsellors next week and beyond.”

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy tweeted: “I know all of Walthamstow stands together in grief for this brutal loss of life, [with] sympathy and love for the family and friends affected and -determination to do what is needed to ensure everyone is safe in our community.

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“When a horrific incident such as this occurs, it is inevitable rumour and counter rumour circulates and social media amplifies that process, often to negative effect.

“Out of respect to the family, I ask you not to share information that isn’t verified and to consider, if you do have knowledge that is important to this investigation, to come forward to help secure justice for a family whose loss is indescribable.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the “fast-moving” investigation, asked for images and video being shared on social media to be passed to police.

He said: “This brutal attack took place near a school and was witnessed by many bystanders and young people. 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.

“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 dash cam 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.”

Anyone with information or footage who has not yet spoken with police should submit images or footage via Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or call the Major Incident Room directly on 020 8345 3715. You can also Tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 4965/5MAY.

To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

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