Teenager Stabbed to Death on Hammersmith Grove

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Two further arrests means nine youths currently held over murder of Kodjo Yenga

There have been two further arrests in the investigation into the murder of Kodjo Yenga. Two male teenagers aged 14 and 16 were arrested at their home addresses in the local area at approx 07.30 this morning (Friday 16th March).

16 year old Kodjo Yenga of Portland Road W11 was stabbed to death at approx 17.30 on Wednesday March 14th. A post-mortem gave cause of death as stab wound to the heart.

A large number of witnesses have come forward and accounts of the events leading up to Kodjo's murder are being taken to clarify exactly what happened.

Officers believe there would have been a lot of people in the area at the time of the murder and are urging anyone who saw what happened or who has any other information about those responsible to come forward to police.

DCI Steve Maher said " Whilst we have had a large number of witnesses come forward I believe that there are further key witnesses who may even have spoken to the media but have not yet come forward to police. I cannot stress how important it is for a successful prosecution that all witnesses come forward as they may have the vital link in the chain of evidence which will lead to a successful prosecution.

This was a tragic murder of a young boy with his whole life ahead of him, there has been much speculation to the cause of this murder and we are committed to finding out exactly what happened on Wednesday and ensuring those responsible are put before the courts."

Seven youths were previously arrested in connection with a murder that took place in Hammersmith Grove. Police were called at approximately 17.30 to the scene with reports of a disturbance. When they arrived they found a 16-year-old boy suffering from a stab wound. He was taken to Charing Cross Hospital in a critical condition and was pronounced dead at 18.15. He has been named as Kodjo Yenga (pictured) of Portland Road W11.

A local shopkeeper told how he saw a gang of teenagers chasing the boy through the streets and heard shouts of "Kill him, kill him." Prior to the incident local residents reported that groups of youths were in the area. One group was seen chasing after the murdered boy who was walking with a Staffordshire bull terrier. After the stabbing the youths dispersed but five were arrested soon after at a house on Iffley Road.

Reacting to the news of the incident which happened in his constituency, Greg Hands MP said, "This was a horrific attack in daylight in a relatively busy street, and will send shock waves through the community. Ironically, it comes only 10 days before I, the local Council and the local police hold a crime summit, and I am sure this terrible incident will dominate discussions. My sympathy goes out to the family of the victim."

The murder is being investigated by detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, SCD1. DCI Tony Nash, said, "We know there would have been a lot of people in the area at the time of the murder and I would urge anyone who saw what happened or who has any other information about those responsible to come forward to police."

Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. If you know of anyone who may have been in the vicinity at the time please forward this item to them.

April 13, 2007