The family of Wahab Zaaki, stabbed to death in Atlee Terrace, Propsect Hill, Walthamstow, say they are very happy at the sentences of his killers Kai Shannon and Abubakar Alawi.

Kai Shannon and Abubakar Alawi, both 20, were jailed on Friday for stabbing 18-year-old Wahab Zaaki to death in Atlee Terrace, Prospect Hill, Walthamstow, back in 2009.

Shannon, of Elmore Street in Islington, was sentenced to a minimum of 18 years for murder.

Alawi, of Essex Road, Leytonstone, was jailed in a young offenders institute for nine years after being found guilty of manslaughter.

The court heard that Mr Zaaki, of Old Church Road in Chingford, was with his friend Reece Williams in the stairwell of the block when they were suddenly attacked by the duo.

The killers were offered shorter sentences if they explained their actions, but they refused.

Wahab's father Amin Zaaki said in a statement: "We are very happy with the sentences handed out by the judge.

"As a family we found the trial extremely painful to listen to, but are relieved that the jury came to find the two defendants guilty of killing Wahab.

"We are also very grateful for the witnesses who were courageous enough to come forward and tell the truth.

"Furthermore we would like to thank the Metropolitan Police for their perseverance despite the difficulties they faced in this investigation and also the Crown Prosecution Service for the excellent way they managed the trial."

He added: "We would also like to thank the judge for giving the defendants the opportunity to tell those of us, who loved Wahab, the truth about why he died in this way.

"Having been given this opportunity the defendants have still not come forward to give us the answer as to why? Regrettably this does not surprise us - we found the behaviour of the defendants during the trial continuously disrespectful and uncompassionate.

"Throughout this trial, it was obvious that our son was a very well liked and respected person.

"No-one had a bad word to say about him.

"His humour infected everyone and his ability to reply quickly to jokes afforded him a nickname which unfortunately was taken out of context and put in a negative light.

"Whilst attending the trial we noticed we were not the only family who were mourning the death of a loved one, specifically a young male.

"These incidents are taking place far too regularly; we must continue to educate our communities of the dangers associated with carrying knives and work together to prevent it.

"We cannot describe the pain we are feeling, a young father and brother has been cruelly taken away from his two adoring children and his sisters, who will never come to terms with their loss.

"We do not wish for any other family to suffer as we have."

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Steve Meechan, who led the investigation, from the Met's Homicide and Serious Crime Command (HSCC), said: "This was a callous, cowardly and premeditated attack upon the young victim, by those he trusted as his friends.

"The motive for the attack remains unclear, the suggestion being a disagreement over an insignificant sum of money.

"It has taken three years to bring those responsible to justice. These defendants instilled within their peers a reluctance to assist police in this enquiry.

"The investigation team has worked closely within the community and the victims' social group, to help allay fear of reprisals. This resulted in evidence being provided to the court by a key eye witness, who himself was injured during the attack.

"The police will not tolerate criminality of this nature and are committed to pursuing those responsible, no matter how long it takes."

Contrary to previous reports, there is no evidence Mr Zaaki was in a gang himself.

His mother also said reports that he was drinking prior to the attack are untrue, as no alcohol was found in his system during a post mortem.

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