A fifth person has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Champion Ganda in Forest Gate.

Newham Recorder: Katherine Road, Forest Gate, was closed off following the incident on Thursday afternoon. Picture: Lee-Ann RichardsKatherine Road, Forest Gate, was closed off following the incident on Thursday afternoon. Picture: Lee-Ann Richards (Image: Archant)

Officers arrested a 17-year-old boy from Leyton on suspicion of murder yesterday and he remains in custody in an east London police station.

Champion, aged 17 from Romford, died from a stab wound to the chest after he was attacked repeatedly during the incident involving a friend and another group who had gathered on Sandringham Road at around 2pm on Thursday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene but a second victim, a 16-year-old who also suffered stab wounds, was discharged from hospital on Saturday afternoon.

Police have also arrested a 21-year-old, two 17-year-olds, and an 18-year-old on suspicion of murder but all four have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Newham police borough commander Det Chf Rob Jones said this week that violent crime among young people in Newham has fallen by 28 per cent, equating to 1,931 less victims.

He added: “But this is a crime where one victim is too many. We will not cease in our effort until we can make all our young people as safe and secure as we possibly can.”

Bob Rush, Chairman of the Monega Resident’s Association in Forest Gate, said: “Although this is a third loss of life in this area in as many years, we have a good community which supports each other in such tragic times.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to call the incident room, at Barking Homicide and Serious Crime Command on 020 8345 3775 or, to remain anonymous, call charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.