Shane Yerrell, Maria Markham, JJ’s partner Kennedy Parker, Michelle McPhillips and David Sparrey at JJ’s shrine in Milner Square

THE grieving mother of murdered Jonathon “JJ” McPhillips has thanked generous donors who raised thousands of pounds for his young daughters – but decried the “wall off silence” surrounding the killers.

The 28-year-old father-of-two was stabbed outside Islington Assembly Hall, in Upper Street, close to his home in February. Hundreds turned out for his funeral in March. Those responsible for the killing remain at large.

On Sunday, JJ’s mother Michelle, who said her son was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when attacked, was presented with a cheque worth £4,627 to help support her granddaughters, Lexi-Jae, 4, and Evie-Rose, 2.

“The fund will be for the future of JJ’s daughters, for later in life,” she said. “He [JJ] gave them what he could afford but they won’t have their daddy anymore.”

The fundraising drive was launched by Shane Yerrell, a friend of Michelle and JJ’s from Waltham Abbey, where Michelle used to run a pub. Mr Yerrell runs Through The Fight, a community interest company which raises money for people in need.

Police said “JJ”, a former Highbury Grove pupil, was standing with a group of young men outside Islington Assembly Hall around midnight on Saturday, February 25, when they were suddenly rushed by six men dressed in hoods and dark clothing who came from the direction of Richmond Grove. Mr McPhillips was stabbed in the chest.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said he does not believe Mr McPhillips was in a gang.

Jonathon McPhillips with daughters Lexi-Jae and Evie-Rose

“We have our suspicions about the [attacking] group but that does not make a case,” he said. “It’s not an easy job but we continue to work at it.”

A 17-year-old injured alongside JJ has refused to co-operate with the police investigation.

Ms McPhillips added: “The wall of silence is not doing anybody any favours. A mother knows their child. If their [son] starts to stay indoors, their behaviour is changing, please come forward.

Nobody wants to see their son go to prison but at the same time nobody needs to go through what I’m going through.

“Unfortunately, the police are having to work with their intelligence at the moment because there’s this wall of silence. But I do believe justice will be served.”

Ms McPhillips, family and friends are due to take part in an “Enough Is Enough” march against violence, from Islington town hall to Hackney town hall, this Sunday.

It has been organised by The Crib youth club in Hackney in memory of Moses Fadairo, 25, who was shot in Chatsworth Road in September 2015.

Ms McPhillips added: “It’s for anybody who wants to come along. It’s to raise awareness about all the senseless killings that are going on, and to get the community together. This [knife crime] is a big problem.

“It’s senseless. There’s no reason why JJ was murdered. People should ask these kids: ‘Why are you taking a knife outside? Is it for protection? Is it fear?’

“The march is about creating awareness in the community. If you see someone with a knife, you can speak to the police anonymously. You can report the crime to prevent someone being killed.”

The march will set off from Islington Green at 1pm and finish at Hackney town hall, where speeches will be made.

Police have made four arrests – of three young men, aged 21, 19 and 24 on suspicion of JJ’s murder, and of a 45-year-old woman suspected of assisting an offender. All have been bailed to return to police stations over the coming months.

Anyone with information is asked to call 020 8345 3775. To give information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org