Murdered Cyclist's Sister Pays Tribute

The sister of a boy who was stabbed while cycling through north London has spoken of the "joys" that her brother brought to the world.

Sherry, the sister of 15-year-old Alan Cartwright, told Sky News that her family had been deeply affected by his death.

Alan had been riding with friends in Islington when they were attacked by a gang.

The youngster received one stab wound and managed to continue riding for a short while along the road before collapsing.

Emergency services attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cherrie, who was one of dozens of people attending a vigil for her brother on Saturday night, said: "It's deeply affected all of us.

"From what we've been told we know little about how it's happened and everything. There's not really much I can say about it.

"He was every sort of personality you can think of, really, all wrapped in one. He had his moments, but he beat them with his laughter and his jokes and joys.

"Everyone here is showing their support for us. We are all here, celebrating [his life]. It still hasn't really hit me."

Police were called just after 7.30pm on Friday to reports of a male collapsed in Caledonian Road, near the junction with Twyford Street.

It is believed that Alan was riding north on Caledonian Road with friends and was attacked close to the junction with Copenhagen Street.

Two other members of the group had their bicycles stolen by three males who had been walking south at the time the attack happened.

The suspects left the scene, making off south down Caledonian Road. No other injuries were reported.

Detectives appealed for information and said they are keeping an open mind as to the motive for the attack.

Former EastEnders actor Brooke Kinsella, whose 16-year-old brother Ben was knifed to death in north London in 2008, responded to the stabbing, writing on Twitter: "Another young boy lost to knife crime, another family destroyed.

"Sickening, cowardly, senseless culture. Heart is weary #PutDownYourKnives."