…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Police have identified the teenager who was stabbed to death outside Dagenham Heath Tube station in east London as 18-year-old Jordan Kukabu from Romford.
Officers and paramedics were called to the scene just before midnight on Friday following reports of a machete fight between two groups of people.
Kukabu was found with stab injuries and pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by medical professionals.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Kukabu’s cause of death was a single stab wound to the chest.
A 20-year-old man was also taken to hospital with a stab injury, but his condition was assessed as non life-threatening.
A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder but has been released with no further action.
However, he has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and released on bail for this offence.
Kukabu’s uncle, Michel Pongo, who is a councillor for Barking and Dagenham, took to Twitter to express his grief and urge those involved in gang violence to “drop your knife and quit the gangster life before it is too late”.
Kukabu’s mother has been left “inconsolable” by his death.
Detective Chief Inspector James Shirley, from the Specialist Crime Command, thanked local people for providing information that has helped police to make progress in their investigation.
He urged anyone with further information or relevant footage to come forward and speak to the police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
Superintendent Martin Rolston of the Met’s East Area Command Unit also reassured local residents that the police investigation is focused on getting justice for Kukabu’s family and friends.
Kukabu’s death highlights the ongoing issue of knife crime in London and the devastating impact it has on families and communities.
Despite ongoing efforts to tackle the issue, incidents such as this demonstrate the need for continued action to address the root causes of gang violence and provide support for those affected by it.
The police’s appeal for information also reflects the important role that communities can play in helping to prevent and solve violent crimes.