Fares Maatou: Boy, 14, charged with murder of east London teenager after stabbing

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a teenager was stabbed to death in east London.

The victim, Fares Maatou, also 14, died at the scene of the attack in Barking Road, Newham, on Friday afternoon (April 23).

A post-mortem examination held at East Ham Mortuary gave Fares’s cause of death as stab injuries.

Fares’s death is the 33rd homicide in London since January 1 this year, the Met said, and of that figure, 24 victims were killed with a knife.

Court date set

The Metropolitan Police said a 14-year-old, who was arrested on Friday, has been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

He will appear in custody at Stratford Youth Court on Monday.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday and remains in police custody.

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder and another also aged 15 who was held in connection with the incident have been bailed to a date in late May.

Fares is believed to have been in possession of an e-scooter when he was attacked.

‘Information is vital’

Police said inquiries are continuing and officers are keeping an open mind as to any motive.

Detective Chief Inspector Perry Benton from the Met Police said: “I spoke yesterday about how local people have provided fantastic support to our investigation and given us a good deal of information.

“This has continued over the weekend, and once again I thank them for that.

“Every piece of information could be vital, so I continue to appeal for anyone who knows anything and any witnesses who have yet to speak with police to please come forward.

“I have assured Fares’s family of my total commitment to bringing to justice those responsible for this senseless killing.

“They will be supported by specialist officers at every stage of what will be a terrible ordeal for them in the weeks, months and years ahead.

“This remains a fast-moving investigation and there will be further developments.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 1570 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.