Romford stabbing: Boy, 15, is youngest person to be knifed to death in London this year after 'being jumped by gang'

This is the first picture of the 15-year-old boy who has become the youngest person to be murdered in London this year.

The victim, named locally as Jordan Douherty, was attacked and stabbed just after 9pm on Saturday after a birthday party at North Romford Community Centre descended into violence.

Police found Jordan surrounded by other youngsters. He had suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics were unable to revive him. He is the 14th teenager to be murdered in London this year.

Jordan, from Grays in Essex, is believed to be a drill rapper who appeared in several music videos.

Officers were called to the party on Clockhouse Lane amid reports of fighting after youngsters “gatecrashed” and were ejected.

Carol, a mother who lives nearby, said she saw 20 boys “jump” Jordan and stab him repeatedly. Café owner Zubaer Chowdhury, 41, whose flat overlooks the area, said the event – reportedly advertised on social media – was a “timebomb”.

He told the Standard: “Young girls and guys were coming out drinking and smoking. It was just a matter of time before something happened.”

He added: “There were loads of them shouting outside our shop and some throwing up. Others were having fights. Suddenly we could see hundreds of kids running in all different ways. Fifteen minutes later the police arrived. There were probably about 20 to 30 police cars and vans, with two or three dogs.”

Another local, who witnessed the chaos from a nearby restaurant, added: “Out of nowhere, there were 200 or 300 kids running up the road. They all looked 15 to 17. The restaurant was full and customers were worried about going outside.”

One teenager named Ellie, said: “There were two or three boys screaming ‘He’s not moving’.

“Paramedics were doing shocks and CPR on him for quite a while. After, he was just laying there with a sheet over him, it was covered in blood.”

Three male teenagers were arrested on suspicion of murder. They were being questioned today at separate police stations in east London.

Following the death, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Let me be clear – these appalling crimes will not be tolerated in London. There are no excuses for carrying a knife.”

Any witnesses should call police on on 0208 345 3775, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.