‘A mummy and a daddy’s boy’: Heartbreaking family tribute to teen stabbed to death in Enfield

The family of 18-year-old Donovan Allen - who was stabbed to death in Enfield on Monday - have left a heartbreaking tribute to the murdered teen.

They said the talented footballer was “surrounded by love” and that he was “mummy’s” and a “daddy’s boy”.

Donovan, from Hemel Hempstead, had travelled the 25 miles to Enfield to see friends on Monday.

He was knifed in fight outside Bonnington House flats, in Ayley Croft, Ponders End.

In a statement, Donovan’s family said: “Donovan was born small with his dad, nana and three uncles at his birth.

“From the start he was surrounded by love and he went on to increase and attract more love as he grew.

“He would pray for his friends and family every morning and night, and even the last morning one of us spoke to Don, he said: ‘I’ve said my prayers and done 40 press ups. I’m doing well, aren’t I?’

His family said that “there are no words to describe how much Donovan will be missed”.

“Every child is special, we know that, but Donovan was exceptional because his gift was making others feel special,” they said.

“He thought everyone was kind like him.

“Yes, he was a mummy’s boy, but he was a daddy’s boy, uncle’s boy, aunty’s boy, and his grandparents’ boy.

“He was confident, charming and was very much adored by his younger siblings.

“Although Donovan’s physical body was robbed from us – and we can no longer see, hear or touch him – in time we will take comfort in knowing that the love he had for his family and friends will continue to live on in our hearts and memories.

“Donovan was loyal and trusting to his detriment.

“He was a boy who was planning his birthday party at the end of the month.

“He finished his journey the happiest he has ever been and had so much to share around.

“There are no words to describe how much Donovan will be missed.”

The family had shared photos with mother Charmaine and sister Denna smiling and joking with Donovan.

Detectives investigating his murder - which was the first teen homicide this year in London - have made a second arrest.

A man, 18, was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at a north London police station.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested at the scene, and has been bailed until a date in March.

Anyone with any images or footage relevant to the investigation is asked to upload them by visiting the online major portal.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101, quoting reference CAD 5753/07FEB. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Any young people who have information about violence, firearms or knife crime, can visit Fearless where they can pass on information anonymously – your IP address will not be traced. Fearless is part of the Crimestoppers charity, and is also independent of the police.