Adam Henry was 15

FLOWERS and cards have been laid at the spot where a 15-year-old “good natured and loyal” boy was fatally stabbed on Tuesday, as police continue to appeal for witnesses.

Adam Henry lived near Holloway Road and was one of four brothers. He was yesterday (Thursday) described by his family as a “loving son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend” who “had many interests and was always there with a smile and cheeky sense of humour”.

In a written statement, his family added: “We will never recover from the loss and not having him in our lives. We ask for privacy as a family so we can grieve and try to process this senseless tragedy together.”

Adam was killed in Westbourne Road in the middle of the day, just down the street from St Mary Magdalene Academy, where he had formerly been a pupil.

Paramedics and police officers attended the scene just after 1pm, but Adam died later in hospital.

Friends, family, and local councillors have been gathering throughout the evenings this week to pay tribute to Adam, who was well known and well loved by neighbours in the area.

A murder investigation has been launched by police, and a manhunt for the suspected killer is under way.

Flowers for Adam Henry

The Tribune understands that police believe the suspect was known to Adam.

Cllr Ilkay Cinko-Oner, who lives nearby, told the Tribune that Adam’s death was a “tragic loss and a systemic failure”.

She said: “One lost life is one too many. We really need to ensure the safety of our young people. All of us are deeply, deeply sorry for the loss of a young 15-year-old boy in our community. He’s a local kid who grew up in the area and went to local schools and was loved by many. We will be fully supporting the family and fighting to ensure that this never happens again.”

Adam’s killing is the first murder with a weapon in Islington this year, and it is five years since a young person was murdered in the Cally.

Imani Allaway-Muir, 22, was shot dead at almost exactly the same spot in 2020.

An event intended to discuss knife crime awareness and prevention was due to be held on Wednesday, but was cancelled in light of the incident.

Cllr Angelo Weekes, Islington’s community safety chief, said: “I am utterly devastated by this tragic loss. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone who knew him.

“I want to assure residents that the council and Metropolitan Police are working tirelessly to support the victim’s family and bring clarity to this cruel act.

“In times like these, we stand together in grief, but also in our unwavering resolve to end youth violence and knife crime in every corner of our borough. We have made a lot of progress, but there is still so much work to do, and I will not stop until we root out knife crime and make our streets safe for every young person.”

He added that the council would be intensifying efforts “to reassure local families and ensure Islington remains a place where every child feels safe”.

Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who heads up policing in Islington, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim at the incredibly sad and difficult time. We understand this is incredibly concerning for the community, particularly considering the young age of the victim.

“Officers are in the area carrying out urgent enquiries and cordons remain in place. I would urge anyone who saw the incident or has any information, to please get in touch with us, or do so anonymously through Crimestoppers.”