Two boys, 15, killed in two days across London

The incidents happened on July 21 and July 23, however there is nothing to suggest they are linked.

Rene Graham was shot in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park near Ladbroke Grove at around 7.20pm on July 21.

He was pronounced dead shortly after.

Two days later on July 23, Pharrell Garcia was stabbed to death in Stellman Close, Hackney at around 4.05pm.

He was also pronounced dead at the scene. 

Here is a timeline of everything we know so far about each victim’s death:

Name: Rene Graham

Where: Ladbroke Grove

When: July 21

Rene Graham was shot in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park near Ladbroke Grove at around 7.20pm on July 21.

The 15-year-old was pronounced dead shortly after.

Four men, two aged 21 and the others aged 20 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of murder.

They remain in police custody.

Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, who is in charge of policing for Kensington and Chelsea, said: “A young boy has tragically lost his life and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this devastating time.

"We will continue to provide them with specialist support.

“I understand that the public, especially those who live and work in the area, will be shocked and concerned by this incident.

"All of us at the Met share that concern and we are using all of the resources at our disposal to identify those involved.

“This investigation is at an early stage and we are keeping an open mind as to the motive.

"It will take us some time to establish the facts and this will be our priority in the coming days.

“We are keen to speak to other witnesses who were in the area at the time of the shooting, there was an event taking place and it's possible people may have been taking photos or filming.

"Please check to see if you have captured anything that may help detectives.

“Residents can expect to see a significant police presence in this area.

"Officers are there to provide reassurance and support - please speak to them if you have concerns.

"Tragic incidents like this remind us whey it is so important that we continue our unrelenting focus on suppressing violence and gun crime, and catching the offenders who endanger our communities.”

Name: Pharrell Garcia

Where: Hackney

When: July 23

Pharrell Garcia was found stabbed in Stellman Close, Hackney at around 4.05pm on July 23.  

He was pronounced dead shortly after.

A murder investigation was launched and an arrest was also made later that evening.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who leads policing in Hackney, said: “Tragically, a 15-year-old boy lost his life yesterday after he was stabbed in Stoke Newington.

“We have informed the boy’s family, who are understandably heartbroken, and specially trained officers are supporting them at this unimaginably difficult time.

“Last night our detectives worked around the clock to start to piece together what happened and as a result of these enquiries we have arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody for questioning.

“I know the community will be searching for answers today and will be shocked and angry at this tragic loss of life.

“I want them to know that we will do everything in our power to provide those answers and bring those responsible to justice.

“Our investigation continues at pace today with officers conducting house-to-house enquiries, reviewing hours of CCTV, and speaking to witnesses.

“Local people can also expect to see a higher police presence in the area over the coming days as our enquiries continue.

“A significant proportion of Stellman Close remains cordoned off as we conduct our forensic enquiries. Closures are likely to remain in place for several days.

“I am grateful to residents and our local communities for their support and patience while we carry out this crucial investigative work.

“We know that there were people in and near to Stellman Close yesterday afternoon and we’d appeal directly to them to get in touch.

“Despite the arrest your information is still crucial. “We believe that the suspect ran away from the scene. If you were in the area at around 4pm please contact us. Any information – no matter how insignificant it might seem – may prove vital in our investigation.

“Please contact us on 101. If you do not wish to speak to police directly, you can also pass any information to us, completely anonymously, via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“No one should have to lose a child and events this week in London are a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of knife crime and serious violence.

“It tears families apart and robs our children of their futures.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to tackling these crimes and protecting young people across London.

“We know we can't do this alone and will continue to work with our communities and our partners, including local councils and schools, charities and community groups to solve this issue”.