11 April 2012

Police Facebook Appeal One Year After Schoolboy Murder

On the first anniversary of murder victim Negus McClean's death detectives are running a week long appeal for information on Facebook

Detectives hope the Facebook appeal will encourage young people with vital information to come forward.

In a heartfelt appeal, the mother of murdered schoolboy Negus McClean, Ingrid Adam said: "I have no words to describe how it feels to hear your son is dead."

A reward of £20,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Negus' murder is still being offered.

On Sunday 10 April 2011 police were called at 19:25hrs to reports of a stabbing in Westminster Road N9. 15-year-old Negus McClean (26.4.95) of Edmonton was found suffering from stab wounds to the chest and thigh. He was taken to the Royal London Hospital but died later that night.

A post-mortem gave cause of death as multiple stab wounds.

It is believed around seven young black men on bicycles chased Negus prior to the murder. One of the suspects is believed to have been wearing a dark coloured, possibly black hooded jumper with a large 'Franklin and Marshall' logo on the front.

An incident room is open under Detective Inspector Julian Tree of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

In July 2011 Negus' mother Ingrid Adams and his sister Candice McClean featured on BBC Crimewatch, see related links

In the interview Negus' mother said: "Negus died 16 days before his 16th Birthday. He had his whole life ahead of him. There were so many things he wanted to do and so many plans he had, and he'll never do them now.

"He was always my baby. He was my Negus and that's what I called him. He was just my perfect baby and he's very missed."

In an appeal to those worried about giving information to the police Negus' sister Candice McClean said: "If their scared, if they don't want to be scared for the rest of their lives then they need to speak up and get these people off the street otherwise that is just going to be the way it is forever."

Detective Inspector Tree said:" It has been a year since Negus was murdered. He was loving and caring to his friends and family who speak very highly of him. It's devastating for his family that his killers are still out there, living their lives."

In a direct appeal to anyone with information DI Tree said: "If you have any information that you didn't feel you could tell us previously or if you have provided information but want to talk to us again for any reason please get in touch - it's not too late. No matter how insignificant it may seem please don't hold it back - contact the incident room on 020 8345 3775.

"If you are worried about talking to the police, we can meet you discreetly out of your area, we won't be in uniform or a marked police car and your information will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

Anyone who can assist should call the incident room on 020 8345 3775; if they wish to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers which is an independent charity on 0800 555 111.

(GK)