Police cordon and forensic tent in Axminster Road

A NEW murder investigation is under way in Islington after a young man died from knife wounds on Wednesday morning.

Yahye Ahmed, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene in Axminster Road, Holloway.

His death came almost two months to the day after the double murder of Leonardo Reid, 15, and Klevi Shekaj, 23, who were stabbed in Archway at the end of June in an unrelated case which led to debates over how to end violence on north London’s streets.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is leading the investigation, appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

“At this early stage we are establishing a timeline of events that led up to and immediately followed this murder,” he said.

“If you have information or dashcam footage, please do get in touch.”

Officers stayed at the scene overnight and extended the cordon to cover the whole of Axminster Road from Tollington Way to Seven Sisters Road. They also cordoned off parts of Bennett Court estate. The extended cordon is to cover any possible exit routes the police suspect the perpetrator may have used after the crime, and to allow investigators to search every inch of the road for evidence.

Teams could be seen pulling up drain covers and using long sticks to try and gather evidence.

“We’re all a bit surprised and shaken up about it because it’s just so strange that it happened the way it did,” said Tom Edwards, who lives in Windsor Road just around the corner from the crime scene.

“I was literally out on the street at 11.30am yesterday, and I didn’t hear or see anything at all. It’s insane.”

The Tribune spoke to multiple residents in the area, all of whom said there was no commotion at the time of the incident.

Ali Rafiq, who was working in Le Croissant D’Or in Seven Sisters Road, at the corner of Axminster Road where the stabbing took place, said: “We didn’t even know about it until the police came in and told us”, adding: “Our customers didn’t know it had happened, the people who had just come from the street had no idea.”

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous due to fears for her and her sons’ safety, said she saw two men get out of a car and attack Mr Ahmed.

No arrests have been made.

Superintendent Jack May-Robinson said: “Local people will notice a more visible police presence in the coming days and I urge anyone with concerns to approach officers on patrol.

“We will continue to support our specialist crime colleagues as they work to identify and apprehend the person, or persons, responsible.

“I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while this vital work takes place.”

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101.

To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.