First picture of boy, 15, stabbed to death after ‘large crowd spotted with machetes’

Brayan David Saldarriaga was stabbed to death near a Hackney canal path (Picture: Met Police/North News)

A teenager has been charged with murder after a boy was knifed to death on an east London towpath.

Brayan David Saldarriaga, 15, from Haringey, died on Monday evening after being found with fatal stab wounds along the towpath near Hackney Marshes.

The fatal incident happened on the May bank holiday after reports of a large gathering of people with some carrying machetes, Met Police said.

The group were spotted on Towpath Walk, E9, at about 7.15pm.

When the emergency services arrived, they found Mr Saldarriaga with stab wounds on Poplar Close.

Despite the efforts of the paramedics, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

His family continues to be supported by specialist officers, the force said.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Thursday, and he was taken into police custody.

He was charged with the murder of Mr Saldarriaga yesterday, along with possession of a bladed article.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court today.

Det Ch Insp Lucie Card, from the Metropolitan Police, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Brayan’s loved ones following this tragic incident. We understand the impact this incident has had on the local community.’

She continued: ‘If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak with one of our officers on patrol in the area this week.

‘We know there were a significant number of people who recorded the large gathering and the incident on their mobile phone.

‘I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened or who has footage of the incident to come forward to police – your information could be vital.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Add as preferred source