Schoolboy dies after hammer gang attack

A schoolboy has died after being beaten by a gang armed with knives and hammers.

Sixteen-year-old Stefan Persaud was attacked in Croydon only weeks before he was due to sit his GCSEs. He died in hospital on Tuesday, 17 days after the assault.

A senior detective described the attack as "horrific", saying youths armed with one or more hammers rained blows on the teenager's head.

Stefan, who planned to pursue a career in law, was attacked in a quiet residential area on 23 April. Detective Chief Inspector Jill Bailey, who is leading the inquiry, described a fight between two groups of up to 20 youths.

She said: "This was a vicious and sustained assault. Stefan was set upon by a number of youths and attacked with at least one hammer. Several blows were rained on his head. For a normal 16-year-old to lose his life in this way was quite horrific."

She appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the attack in Davidson Road, or a fight about 15 minutes earlier, to contact police.

Stefan was taken to Mayday Hospital suffering from a single stab wound and head injuries. He was later transferred to King's College Hospital, where he died.

In a statement, his father Les said: "Stefan was loved not only by a very large extended family but by his friends and those that came into contact with him. He was a typical 16-year-old boy.

"Those that knew him are devastated that he was subjected to such an inhumane attack. We urge anyone with information to contact the police as soon as possible."

Six teenagers have been arrested in connection with the killing, five have been bailed pending further inquiries. A 19-year-old was arrested yesterday and is still being questioned. Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4205 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.