Woodford teen murder: Police arrest two teens on suspicion of killing 16-year-old, one youth still sought

Police in London have arrested two teenagers on suspicion of stabbing to death 16-year-old Charlie Kutyauripo at a birthday party in east London. The Metropolitan Police are also looking for another suspect, named as Aaron Alexander Tavares-Gaiete, 16, after the teen's murder.

Kutyauripo, was stabbed in the chest at a 16th birthday party in Woodford and died in hospital as a result of his injuries. Detectives immediately launched a murder investigation and arrested two 17-year-olds on 16 January.

Kutyauripo was a pupil at the King Solomon High School on Forest Road, Ilford, and is believed to have attended the party at a social club on 9 January. The teenager, from Collier Row, died at 10.40pm at Whipps Cross Hospital later that night.

It is believed that a confrontation began outside the club resulting in Kutyauripo being stabbed. The suspect is then said to have ran away in the direction of Woodford.

The arrested teens are being held at two separate police stations in the east London area. Police have pleaded with Aaron Alexander Tavares-Gaiete to hand himself in. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lawson, of the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command, said, "Charlie's family deserve answers."

Appeal to friends

"I am reaching out to Aaron's family and friends," he said. "We want to trace him and speak to him about what he knows about Charlie's murder. If you know where he is or are in contact with him, now is the time to come forward and speak to us.

"Aaron has not been seen since the murder and I am appealing directly to his friends, if you are helping him by giving him somewhere to stay, lending him money or letting him use your Oyster card please do not stay silent any longer, get in touch with us and help us to find him.

"We understand that some may have concerns with speaking to the police but it is important that they do so and we can offer reassurance and support for those that can assist us with our enquiries.

"Charlie's family have been left devastated by his death, they want and deserve answers about what happened. My direct message to Aaron is – while you have the opportunity please get in touch with us or come into a police station. We need to talk to you."

The police described Aaron as black, 5ft 10in tall, of slim build with facial hair. He was last seen wearing a dark hooded jacket with a yellow motif on the left sleeve, dark coloured trousers and trainers. He was also carrying a distinctive black 'man bag' with a white Nike logo.

A statement released by Charlie's family also called for Aaron to hand himself in. It said: "We hope that if anybody knows anything, they should come forward and help find whoever did this because to the world he was just a 16-year-old boy, but to us, that was our son taken."