A boy aged 15 was stabbed to death last night while cycling with friends in north London.

Alan Cartwright was riding his bicycle on Caledonian Road in Islington when he was attacked.

The group were close to the junction of Copenhagen Street when they were approached by three men walking in the other direction, said police.

They were set upon and the victim suffered a single stab wound.

He managed to cycle on a short distance before he collapsed and was later pronounced dead.

Two others in his group had their bicycles stolen, police said.

Emergency services arrived shortly after 7.30pm last night and treated the victim in the street in an effort to save his life.

A police spokesman said: "At this early stage it is believed the victim was cycling north on Caledonian Road with friends when they were attacked, near the junction of Copenhagen Street, by three males who were walking in the opposite direction.

"The victim suffered a single stab wound during the attack and two other members of the group had their bikes stolen. The victim managed to cycle further up Caledonian Road before collapsing.

"The suspects made off from the scene, continuing south down Caledonian Road."

There are no reports of any other injuries, police said.

The youth's next of kin have been informed and a post-mortem will be scheduled later.

Scotland Yard's murder detectives are investigating. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Islington police said they would be stepping up patrols in the area after the stabbing.

Former EastEnders actor Brooke Kinsella, whose 16-year-old brother Ben was knifed to death in north London in 2008, posted online: "Another young boy lost to knife crime, another family destroyed. Sickening, cowardly, senseless culture. Heart is weary #PutDownYourKnives"