A teenager has been found guilty of murder and wounding with intent after a stabbing in Hackney earlier this year.

The 17-year-old from Woodford Green, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was one of four defendants found guilty on Friday (August 21) over the death of Jeremie Malenge in Hackney on January 6.

Jeremie, who was also 17, was found suffering from stab wounds in Arcola Street, E8, and died a short time later.

A statement from his father, Mr A Malenge, said: “As Jeremie’s dad I feel that there is a massive hole in my heart since my lovely son was sadly murdered.

“I will never forget the death of my son.

“Every time I leave my home I always see people Jeremie’s age happily passing through the streets of Hackney and this always makes me think of my lovely son.

“I am finding it hard to enjoy anything in my life because of my son’s death.

“Jeremie was always polite and had never been in an argument with anyone in the family or outside.

“He is a big loss to our family and the killers of Jeremie have really broken our hearts.

“Now we know that nothing will ever be the same again.

“At this time we ask for people to respect our privacy.”

Detective chief inspector Ken Hughes said: “Jeremie ran for his life but was caught by his attackers in Ponsford Street where they stabbed him.

“Immediately after the incident they fled, leaving him bleeding on the pavement.

“In spite of valiant attempts to save him by all emergency services attending, Jeremy sadly died at the scene.

“I would like to thank the numerous witnesses who came forward to assist officers with this investigation without whom we would not have been able to achieve the justice for Jeremie and his family handed down today.

“These verdicts are the result of diligent efforts on behalf of not only the detectives investigating, but also the hard work of our borough partners at Hackney Council Integrated Gangs Unit and the CCTV Unit without whom this crime could not have been solved.

"Both council units are jointly staffed by both police officers and council professionals and are an excellent example of the benefits of partnership working to community safety.

“Nothing can bring Jeremie back to his family, but I and my team hope that today’s verdict brings a measure of comfort.”

Also found guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday was a 14-year-old boy from Hackney, Sanaa Sayed Ibrahim, 18, of Homerton Road, Hackney and Tre Morgan, 18 of Lyham Road, SW2.

They will be sentenced on September 25.