Enfield stabbing: Teen knifed to death in fight outside block of flats was talented footballer

The teenager stabbed to death outside a block of flats in Enfield - in the first teen killing in London this year - was a talented young footballer.

Donovan Allen, 18, was named by police today as the victim of an attack on a housing estate in north London on Monday evening.

His mother Charmaine gave a moving tribute about her son to LondonWorld, saying: “His heart was his family and his music was his passion. His strength was his loyalty.”

He lived in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, but was found dead with a stab wound to the chest around 25 miles away in Enfield.

He was said to be visiting friends when he was set upon.

Witnesses reportedly described seeing the victim being chased by a machete-wielding attacker.

Paramedics and cops rushed to the block in Ayley Croft just after 6pm to find Donovan injured and despite battling to save his life, the youngster died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination held yesterday (Weds) found Donovan died from a single stab wound to the chest.

Murder cops arrested a 14-year-old boy at the scene on suspicion of murder and has been released on bail until next month, the Met Police said.

Donovan, also known as Donny, played for Hemel Hempstead Town Youth FC - where the first team play in the National League South.

The club paid tribute to him in a Facebook post last night and said there would be a minute’s applause for him before all their games this weekend.

The statement read: “It’s with immense sadness the committee share with you that Donovan Allen, 18, an ex-player of HHTYFC who played firstly under Brian Harding and Nick Payne and then under Steven Hutchins and Marc Bircham was fatally stabbed and murdered on Monday evening.

“Donovan was such a likeable and kind lad, who loved football & will be remembered for his contagious smile. You will always be part of our football family. Our thoughts are with Charmaine and all the family at this time.

“We ask all teams this weekend to celebrate Donovan’s life by having a one minute applause before your games. RIP Donny.”

Scotland Yard today appealed for anyone with information about the killing to contact police.

Det Ch Insp Linda Bradley, who is leading the Met Police investigation, said: “We are providing specialist support to Donovan’s family as they go through the most unimaginable of times and we are doing everything we can to identify who may be responsible for his murder.

“Donovan’s family deserve to know what happened to him and we are working hard to give them those answers.

“Our investigation is continuing at pace but I want to reiterate my appeals to anyone that may have witnessed the incident or knows anything about who may have been involved.

“We urgently need to speak to anyone with information, particularly anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Bonnington House, Ayley Croft in Enfield on Monday, February 7 at around 6pm.

“Did you see anyone running away from the area or notice anything out of the ordinary?

“Even if you think the information you have may not be of great importance, please share it with police as it may help us piece together the events that led to Donovan’s tragic death.”

Ch Supt Simon Crick, in charge of local policing for Enfield and Haringey, called for anyone with pictures or video that could help the investigation to get in touch.

He said: “The family of this young man have been devastated by his death and my thoughts are with them.

“Detectives are working at pace to investigate this attack and I would also add my appeal to the public to get in touch if they have any information that could help the investigation.

“Police officers remain in the area, where they are speaking to members of the public and doing door-to-door enquiries.

“Local residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area and I would encourage anyone who has concerns to please speak to officers.”

Anyone with any images or video footage relevant to the investigation can upload it to an online police portal.