Family of man stabbed to death in London had fled war in Congo, uncle says

A 22-year-old man who was stabbed to death after being chased through the streets in London has been described as a “special” individual whose parents fled war in Congo.

The victim was named locally as Calvin Bungisa on Tuesday, as family described him as a happy man who “was always laughing”.

Scotland Yard believes he was pursued by several suspects who fled in a car after murdering him in Kentish Town, north-west London, at about 8.30pm on Monday.

The killing came on the same day Prime Minister Theresa May hosted a summit on knife crime at Downing Street.

Uncle Claude Mampuila, 54, said the family had “lost someone special”.

“He was always laughing, dancing and happy with people. He was not any trouble and very good,” Mr Mampuila said.

“The family came here from the Congo for protection – there was a war there – and now this has happened in London.”

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene about half an hour after police were called. No arrests have been made.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, who leads the murder investigation, said several men are believed to have chased the victim from Vicar’s Road and down Grafton Road before they fled in a car.

Police tape blocked off the crime scene, where a blue police tent sat in the middle of the road.

A small group of floral tributes were placed beneath a row of small candles by the manned police cordon.

A woman, who said she was the victim’s cousin, said: “He was not like other boys around here. He had a good home, a good girlfriend and he had things going for him.

“He was not the sort of boy to get into trouble. He kept himself to himself.”

Another uncle, Jean, told the Evening Standard that he was well known in the local community and doted on his family.

“He was full of life. He was very popular with everyone. He always had a smile on his face. He loved his family so much. His father died a year ago almost to the day,” the uncle said.

While formal identification is yet to take place, the man’s next-of-kin have been informed.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.