Met detectives are appealing for information after a boy was fatally stabbed in Hackney on Monday, 25 May.

Police were called at 19:17hrs to reports of a large gathering, disorder and sightings of individuals in possession of machetes in Towpath Walk, E9. The disorder is believed to have begun during a house party taking place on the same road.

While officers were on their way to Towpath Walk, further reports were received about a stabbing and possible firearms discharges.

Officers attended, along with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, and found a teenage boy with stab wounds in Poplar Close. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers are in the process of formally identifying the victim and informing his next-of-kin.

A crime scene remains in place spanning Towpath Walk, Poplar Close and surrounding areas while officers carry out urgent enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Massink, of the Met’s Specialist Crime command, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victim and his family – we are working at pace to ensure all his loved ones are informed and offered specialist support from officers.

“For members of the local community, who will no doubt be shocked and saddened by the events of yesterday evening, increased police patrols are in place in the area. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak with one of our officers.

“Urgent enquiries continue to establish exactly what happened. We know there were a significant number of people in the area at the time of the stabbing, and some individuals recorded the incident on their mobile phone.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened or who has footage of the incident to come forward to police – your information could be vital. I would also ask those with videos or photographs not to post this on social media out of respect for the bereaved family.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 6692/25May. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.