A 17-year-old boy has died in hospital after he was stabbed in Chigwell in December.

Ayodele Osifuwa of Chesterton Road, Plaistow, passed away on Friday at The Royal London hospital where he has been since he was knifed in Limes Avenue, police announced last night.

He was found on a grass verge at the junction of Limes Avenue and Westmede shortly before 9pm on December 9 with a stab wound to his leg.

He was 16 at the time.

A murder investigation has been launched following his death and anyone who has not yet spoken to police is urged to do so.

Ayodele was found on a grass verge at the junction of Limes Avenue and Westmede.

Marcus Audain, 20, of no fixed abode, was charged on January 3 with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and is currently in custody.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 17.

A 17-year-old boy from Walthamstow and a 20-year-old man from Ilford are currently on bail until March 4 pending enquiries.