Renewed Appeals Following Teenage Murder

The mother of murdered teenager Isschan Nicholls has joined detectives in renewing appeals for information and witnesses.

The 18- year-old died after he was stabbed following a fight in Parnell Road on 13 January.

He was attacked by a group of up to 15 youths who entered Parnell Road via Lefevre Walk.

The fight involved weapons including baseball bats and pieces of wood.

Police who were called to the scene at about 9.10pm, discovered Isschan and another 17-year-old boy suffering from stab wounds. Both were taken to the Royal London Hospital. Isschan died early on 15 January.

A post mortem gave the cause of death as stab wounds to the abdomen and thigh.

The second victim, aged 17 was treated and discharged.

Appealing for information, Isschan's mother Jennifer Williams said: "Isschan was loved by so many people. He was a real family person who was passionate about his music, which was his main hobby whilst attending college.

"Our son has been put to rest, but the fact remains there are people harbouring others who have carried out this evil, vicious attack.

"This is what we, Isschan's family, are finding hard to comprehend. There are no excuses; reasoning or justification for this kind of violence and those involved must come forward to take responsibility for their actions and for the lives they have ruined.

"We are asking if anybody knows anything regarding this incident, no matter how small the information- we are pleading with you to come forward and call police. Every piece of information is important right now, no matter how insignificant you may think it is."

Investigating officer DCI Dave Manning of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "Exactly what sparked the fight which led to Isschan's death remains unclear at this time and we are keeping an open mind regards motive.

"We know that shortly before the fight, Isschan and four friends had been travelling in a blue Rover which parked in Parnell Road.

"The vehicle was parked close to a Ford Fiesta which entered the road moments earlier containing four males.

"I appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident who may have seen what happened to contact police if you have not done so already."

To date 12 people have been arrested in connection with the investigation. All were bailed to return to an east London police station pending further enquiries.

(LB/GK)