Derek Boateng
The London Metropolitan Police have launched a murder inquiry following the fatal stabbing of a 16-year old British Ghanaian on his birthday.
Derek Boateng died a day after he was knifed on a Route 393 single-decker bus outside the gates of a school in Highbury, North London in an apparent fight between rival gangs.
The bus performed an emergency stop at Highbury New Park, where the boy was treated by paramedics.
He was taken by air ambulance to an East London hospital but died last night, Scotland Yard said. His next of kin have been informed.
Derek's sister - 29 year-old Gifty Boateng told London Evening Standard: "I could not have had a better brother. He would do things for anyone and ask for nothing in return.
"He was the family handyman and could fix anything and wanted to be an engineer.
"He also loved drumming that was his passion. He was very musical and good at painting and drawing. He also liked football and was good at sports. He had lots of friends and was a loving son to our Mum and Dad."
According to London Evening Standard, Derek who lived with his parents in Hackney, was a former pupil at Highbury Grove School, but had been excluded for bad behaviour and was attending Regent’s Vocational College in Hackney at the time of his death, according to sources.
One report suggested Derek had gone back to the Highbury school to confront an old classmate. A source said: “He and his attacker hung out in rival gangs, that is what caused the problem.”
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in custody at a North London police station.
Witnesses or anyone with information have been asked to call police on 020 8345 3734, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.