A MAN has admitted stabbing a teenager to death in Ilford town centre.

Nabeer Bakurally, 19, was slashed repeatedly last November as he made his way home from a night out.

At a trial of the Old Bailey, Abdul Siddique, 25, of Belmont Road in Ilford, pleaded guilty to murdering the teen.

And his friend, Kalam Kazi, 23, also of Belmont Road, was yesterday found not guilty of murder but was convicted of manslaughter for his part kicking Nabeer to the ground.

The pair are due to be sentenced tomorrow (Thursday).

A third man, Pradip Mistry, 22, of Belgrave Road in Ilford was also cleared of all charges.

Nabeer Bakurally, who was stabbed five times including twice in the heart, was pronounced dead at the scene in Ilford High Road, at around 2.30am on Saturday November 8, 2008.

His friend, a 17-year-old, was also stabbed eight times but recovered after a spell in hospital.

Detective Inspector Phil Howarth, who led the investigation from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "The defendants attacked the victims for no reason. They are extremely violent men and I am pleased at their conviction.

"I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward to secure today's result and the CCTV teams who quickly grasped what was happening that night and provided invaluable evidence.

"This case should serve as a warning to those involved in knife crime that even if you are not carrying a bladed weapon yourself, your association with those intent on causing serious crime will be enough to get you convicted and facing jail."