16-year-old stabbed to death in 'cowardly' attack named by police

A 16-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in "a senseless act of violence" has been named by police.

Joshua Bwalya was found lying in the street when police arrived at Movers Lane in Barking, east London, on Wednesday at around 1am after an attack that also left a man and a teenager suspected of murdering him wounded.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes of the Metropolitan Police's homicide and major crime command, said: "Joshua's young life was cut short by a senseless act of violence when he was approaching the prime of his life.

"The attack was not only cowardly, but brutal.

"I urge anyone who has information that can help our investigation to come forward and help us to bring Joshua's murderers to justice."

The teenager, of Barking, east London, was pronounced dead at the scene as two males, aged 16 and 20, were found with stab wounds nearby.

The pair were taken to different hospitals in London before being arrested on suspicion of murder, the Metropolitan Police said.

A post-mortem examination has recorded multiple stab wounds as the cause of death.

The 16-year-old has since been discharged and released on bail pending further inquiries.

The 20-year-old man, who has also been discharged from hospital, is in custody at an east London police station.