Islington cyclist stab murder inquiry begins Published duration 28 February 2015

image copyright Met Police image caption Alan Cartwright from Islington was out cycling with friends when he was attacked

A 15-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in north London when three men attacked him while he was cycling with friends.

A murder inquiry started after Alan Cartwright from Islington was knifed near Copenhagen Street in the borough, at about 19:30 GMT on Friday.

The teenager managed to cycle away but collapsed on nearby Caledonian Road and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Former EastEnders actress and anti-knife campaigner Brooke Kinsella called the killing "cowardly and senseless".

image caption Tributes, including a bike painted white, have been left at the place where Alan Cartwright died

It is understood Alan had been cycling north on Caledonian Road when his friends were approached by three men walking in the opposite direction, close to the junction with Copenhagen Street, Scotland Yard said.

Alan was stabbed once and two bikes were stolen from the group before the suspects fled from the scene travelling south down Caledonian Road, the force added.

The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics from London Ambulance Service.

image copyright Cliffy P image caption Alan Cartwright managed to cycle to Caledonian Road before collapsing and dying

Det Ch Insp Chris Jones said: "Caledonian Road would have been very busy at the time of the incident and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this attack, or may have any information as to who is responsible, to come forward and speak to police."

A post-mortem examination is due to take place later.

Ms Kinsella, whose brother Ben was fatally stabbed 11 times in 2008 as he fled a fight in Islington. tweeted : "Another young boy lost to knife crime, another family destroyed. Sickening, cowardly, senseless culture. Heart is weary #PutDownYourKnives".

Nicola Clarke, who knew Alan, also tweeted : "Just the most horrendous news hearing about Alan Cartwright, watched him grow up over his short 15 years. Friendly, kind and helpful boy".