Murder probe follows 'brutal' stabbing in east London

A murder investigation has been launched into the "brutal" stabbing of a teenage boy, police said.

The boy is the second teenager to be stabbed to death in the capital within two days.

The victim, believed to be 17, was found with stab wounds on the St John's Estate in Hoxton, in the east London borough of Hackney, late last night, after police were called to reports of an assault.

The London Ambulance Service attended, but he was pronounced dead at the scene at 11.47pm.

Police said they believe they know the victim's identity and inquiries were under way to inform his next of kin. No arrests have been made.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge, from the homicide and major crime command, said: "A young man has lost his life in a brutal manner and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area last night and witnessed this attack to come forward and speak to police."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8358 0300, or contact crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

:: On Thursday night, 17-year-old Shaquan Mario Fearon died after being stabbed in the leg during a fight at a block of flats in Brockley, south-east London. Another male, 17, also suffered stab injuries but was later discharged from hospital.