A teenager has been charged with murder after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death outside his school.
Rennell Charles died after he was attacked near Kelmscott School in Walthamstow, east London, shortly after 4pm on Friday.
Emergency services rushed to Markhouse Road in an attempt to save the Year 11 student’s life as other pupils and bystanders watched on.
Despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem found Rennell died of a stab wound to the chest.
Another boy, also aged 16, was charged by police last night and will appear in custody at Stratford Magistrates’ Court today.
Met Police say the victim’s family continues to be supported by specialist officers.
Sam Jones, the headteacher at the school, said he ‘cannot overstate how devastated’ he is by the ‘senseless violence’ that cost Rennell his life.
He said: ‘I am sure the Kelmscott community shares my grief and sadness.
‘This is the darkest of days for the student’s family and the Kelmscott community more broadly.
‘Kelmscott is a large and tight-knit family and this loss will be felt for a long time to come.
‘We will be offering counselling and support to pupils affected by this tragedy.’
He added: ‘I feel somewhat reassured that an arrest has now been made in connection with Renell’s death.’
Cllr Grace Williams, leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: ‘Nobody should have to deal with the loss of somebody so young and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased.
‘Their loss is our loss. The people of Waltham Forest and beyond will be shocked by this senseless act.’
Detective chief inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the Met’s investigation, said yesterday: ‘We are aware that this brutal attack took place near a school, and was witnessed by many bystanders and young people.
‘My thoughts are with them as they come to terms with seeing such an act of violence unfold.’
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