POLICE investigating the murder of a teenager are appealing for help with identifying two people seen cycling nearby around the time of the crime.
Elijah Dornelly, 17, was found stabbed in Walthamstow High Street at around 11.30pm on Sunday (May 7). Detectives believe he and his friend were ambushed by two men who were “laying in wait” for them.
He was taken to hospital suffering from a serious stab wound and was pronounced dead shortly after.
Officers have released CCTV images of two people on bikes whom they wish to speak with.
Elijah Dornelly, a former pupil at Kelmscott School in Markhouse Road, Walthamstow, is belived to have lived in Higham Hill.
The images were taken in Rosebank Villas at 11.20pm on Sunday night. The pedestrianised street connects the high street with Walthamstow Central bus station.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bonner, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "All our enquiries to date lead me to believe that this was a targeted attack and the two suspects were lying in wait in the high street for Elijah and his friend.
“I now know that the suspects then left the area on bicycles, cycling north east along the High Street towards Palmerston Road.
A CCTV image issued by police of two men cycling in Rosebank Villas.
"I am issuing CCTV images of two people who were in the area earlier that night. It is possible that they live locally and may have been seen in the area of the high street on their bikes earlier that day, after the attack or in the days before the murder.
"If you recognise them please get in contact with us, it is important we identify and speak to them.
"Also I am keen to establish where Elijah had been earlier that day, if you were with him or know what he was doing, then call our investigation team."
A post mortem examination which took place today, Tuesday May 9, gave the cause of death as a stab wound.
No arrests have been made.
Rosebank Villas connects the high street with Walthamstow Central bus station, pic Google Maps.
Any witnesses, or anyone with any information, are urged call the incident room on 020 8358 0400, or contact police via 101, or by tweeting @MetCC.
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
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