Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy has slammed Greek police for reportedly claiming that the killing of a Leyton student in Crete was gang-related.

Tyrell Matthews-Burton, 19, was stabbed to death outside a bar in the resort of Malia in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

It is claimed he was killed during a brawl involving 30 people.

National media reports have said Greek police believed the incident was gang-related, but Ms Creasy said there was no evidence of this.

"I am extremely concerned about what the Greek police have been telling the media", she told the Guardian today.

"The families categorically deny that their children are involved in anything like that and I have had personal assurances from the Borough Commander [of Waltham Forest] that they have no record of Tyrell being involved in any gang activity."

Ms Creasy said Greek police had not even contacted officers in Waltham Forest and said she was planning on writing to the Greek Embassy to complain.

She said: "These were young men celebrating getting into university. 

"I'm not saying they weren't involved in something serious but I am very concerned about these stereotypes which are being thrown around."

A total of 18 people were arrested in connection with the stabbing, including a 19-year-old who has been charged.

Ms Creasy said she and Leyton and Wanstead MP John Cryer were in contact with five families from Waltham Forest and Redbridge connected to the case, including the devastated family of Tyrell.

She added: "You have to remember these are young men who have just lost their mate but they're also having to deal with this. They are so angry about the press treatment.

"Their families just want them home."

Ms Creasy said the group all attended the same school but did not want to reveal further details without the permission of the families.

Tyrell lived in the Lea Bridge area of Waltham Forest on the border between Leyton and Walthamstow.