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A teenager who died after knifed in the back with a machete in front of children in a nearby playground has been named as Stefan Appleton.

The 17-year-old was attacked on the Marquess estate in Islington at around 6pm yesterday and a murder probe has been launched into his death.

Eye-witnesses say Stefan was attacked with a 'machete or samurai sword' and was stabbed up to five times - including twice in the back.

Stefan, from the Islington area, was treated by paramedics at the scene and airlifted to hospital but died shortly after arrival. Detectives have now launched a murder probe but no-one has yet been arrested.

A 38-year-old eye-witness, who did not wish to be named, said: ""Everyone was just in total shock, with people crying. It was awful. His sister was there. She was just all over the place sobbing.

"I think there were a couple of stab wounds in Stefan's back and he was stabbed four or five times altogether.

"I heard it was a machete, but someone else said it was a samurai sword. It was definitely a big knife of some kind.

(Image: LNP)

"There's people that are killing kids here. The police have got to do something. It's never been like this. I've been here about 30 years and it's never been as bad as this."

Devastated family and friends friends have paid tribute to him - calling him a 'beautiful and gentle boy'.

Sister Paige-Ashlei Appleton wrote on Facebook: "The boy who got stabbed was my brother, such a lovely boy taken too soon... Me and my family appreciate the love & support from everyone."

Cousin Tanisha Cambron said: "I thought this pain couldn't get any worse, but to wake up and realize this is not just a nightmare this is our reality is the worse feeling ever.

"We are so heartbroken. I love you baby cuz so much. This is just not right no one has the right to end a life like this. I know you had so much more to give. Watch over us now and give us a the strength to continue. Sleep well Stef."

Pal Robyn Musher added: "I cant believe this I went to school with this beautiful boy. He was such a gentle soul."

(Image: Darren Ghoumrassi)

Floral tributes were left at the scene off Caldy Walk today where mourners left heartfelt messages.

One read: "RIP Stef, can't believe you're actually gone. Never forgotten Stef, lay peacefully in heaven."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Shortly after 18:00hrs on Wednesday, 10 June, police were called to a male stabbed in the area of Caldy Walk.

"The 17-year-old youth was taken by London Ambulance Service to an east London hospital where he died a short time later.

"Officers believe they know the identity of the deceased but await formal identification and confirmation that next of kin have been informed

"Officers from Islington remain at the scene. The death will be investigated by detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command."

Last month an 18-year-old man was left with serious injuries after being stabbed in the area and a 15-year-old boy was stabbed to death on nearby Caledonian Road in February .