The Metropolitan Police said a murder investigation has been launched after the 16-year-old was fatally stabbed in Hillingdon, west London, on Thursday evening. The killing is the 30th teenage homicide in the capital in 2021, surpassing a peak of 29 in 2008.

       Police were called shortly after 7.30pm to reports of an injured male at Philpotts Farm Open Space, close to Heather Lane in Yiewsley.

       Officers attended and found a 16-year-old boy suffering from a puncture wound.

       He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8.25pm.

       The Met Police said his next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

       Formal identification has not taken place and a post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

       No arrests have been made yet.

       In a statement, the force said: "A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a 16-year-old boy in Hillingdon.

       "Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 7.34pm on Thursday, 30 December to reports of an injured male at the Philpotts Farm Open Space close to Heather Lane in Yiewsley.

       "Officers attended and found a 16-year-old suffering from a puncture wound.

       "Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 8.25pm.

       "His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

       "Formal identification has not taken place.

       "A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

       "Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are investigating.

       "There have been no arrests and enquiries continue."

       Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference CAD 5666/30Dec or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.