03/03/2015

CCTV Footage Released Over Alan Cartwright's Murder

Police have released CCTV footage showing the moment 15-year-old Alan Cartwright was murdered in Islington.

The moving footage shows Alan and three friends riding their bikes, north along Caledonian Road, near the junction of Copenhagen Street, on Friday, 27 February.

Without warning two suspects step off the pavement from the right-hand side, into the road in front of Alan and his friends.

The footage shows suspect one immediately stabbing Alan in the chest, whilst suspect two lunges at one of Alan's friends, knocking him off his bike.

At the same time, a third suspect crossed the road from the left-hand side and grabbed another of Alan's friends and pulled him off his bike.

Suspect one rode south down Caledonian Road with suspect three on the back of the stolen bicycle. Suspect two also left the scene on the bike he had just robbed and headed south along Caledonian Road.

Alan managed to continue a short distance near to the junction with Twyford Street, N1 before he collapsed. Police and the London Ambulance Service were called to the location, where the teenager was pronounced dead a short time later.

A post-mortem examination on Monday gave the cause of death as a single stab wound to the chest.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Jones said: "The footage of the suspects attacking Alan and his friends is truly shocking. Alan stood no chance of defending himself against his attacker who casually stepped out in front of him and stabbed him in the chest.

"Identifying and arresting the suspects is our absolute priority. We are working tirelessly and the investigation is moving at a fast pace.

"It is obvious from the footage that Caledonian Road is busy with cars and pedestrians. We have already spoken to a number of witnesses who have provided helpful information to the investigation; however I would like to re-appeal to anyone who may know something about Alan's murder and the robbery of the bikes.

"I would like to reassure anyone who is worried about contacting the police that they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity."

(CD/JP)

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