…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Five people have been arrested in connection with the murder of an 18-year-old man who was stabbed to death near Dagenham Heathway tube station in east London.
Wazabakana Elenda Jordan Kukabu, known as Jordan, from Romford, was found with stab injuries and despite the efforts of emergency services died at the scene.
Police have arrested a 15-year-old in Colchester on suspicion of murder, and a 16-year-old, a 17-year-old, and a 20-year-old in Suffolk on suspicion of murder and a separate offence of violent disorder.
Another man was also arrested in Suffolk on suspicion of assisting an offender and a separate offence of violent disorder.
All remain in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector James Shirley, from the Specialist Crime Command, said that “Our investigation is making significant progress.
Local people have provided us with information, which together with forensic enquiries and analysis of CCTV is enabling us to build a picture of what happened on Friday night.”
He also urged anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward and share it anonymously through Crimestoppers.
The incident, which took place late Friday night, has left the local community in shock. This tragic event is a reminder of the increasing knife crime incidents happening in London.
According to the latest Metropolitan Police statistics, there were 15,766 knife crime offences in London between March 2020 and February 2021, an increase of 7.8% compared with the previous year.
The situation is also a reminder of the importance of community involvement in tackling crime, and the crucial role that individuals can play in sharing information and helping to bring those responsible to justice.