POLICE IN LONDON are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a 15-year-old boy was fatally stabbed last night.

Police were called to a community centre in Romford just after 9pm yesterday amid reports of a large fight following a birthday party.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police and members of the London Ambulance Service attended the scene and were confronted by up to 100 young people.

A 15-year-old boy was found suffering from stab wounds. He was treated at the scene by paramedics but was pronounced dead a short time later. His next-of-kin have been informed.

Three males aged in their teens have been arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to separate east London police stations for questioning.

A bus driver aged in his 50s was treated for a head injury at the scene. There are no other reports of injuries.

Appeal for information

Detective Sergeant Gurj Singh said: “Response officers who attended the initial calls were confronted with up to 100 youths leaving a birthday party gathering at a community centre. There appeared to be fighting and tragically a teenager has been found with fatal injuries.

“I would like to directly appeal to those present to contact police about what they saw and heard to help my team build a clearer picture of what took place. Equally, if you have video footage or images of the violent aftermath to the party, we need to hear from you.”

Response Team Inspector Michael O’Donoghue described the attack as “appalling”.

“We will continue to provide a high visibility presence and officers will be on hand to hear from those from the local community.

“A large crime scene will remain in place for some time and local high visibility patrols will be stepped up,” he added.