Two 14-year-olds arrested after dad-of-three stabbed to death ‘while defending daughter from group of boys’

Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of James Markham, 45, who was fatally stabbed (PA)

Two 14-year-old boys have been arrested after a dad-of-three was stabbed to death while reportedly defending his daughter from a group of boys who were harassing her.

Jamie Markham, 45, was attacked after confronting a group of youths in Chingford on Monday evening, the Metropolitan Police has said.

Emergency services were called to Churchill Terrace at 6.20pm and found Mr Markham, who had been stabbed.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and a post-mortem examination found he died of a stab wound to the lung.

His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.

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Two teenagers arrested

Police said a 14-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder while another boy, also 14, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

Both are in custody at an east London police station.

What the police said

Detective Inspector John Marriott, of the Met’s specialist crime command, said: “We believe that James confronted a group of youths causing a disturbance and was stabbed as a result.

“The brutality of this response is beyond shocking and our thoughts are with James’s family, who have been left devastated by their loss.

“The arrests of these two individuals is a significant development but we still need the public’s help to build a full picture of exactly what happened on Monday evening.

“I know that there were a number of people present at the time of the murder. I want them to come forward.

“I also believe there will be parents who know that their child was there, or was involved. I am appealing for them to do the sensible thing and get in touch with us.

“A dedicated team of officers is working to piece together the tragic circumstances that led to this murder and to bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone who has any information in relation to the incident should call police on 101 giving the reference 5735/09AUG.

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