Tributes to ‘talented’ 15-year-old boy stabbed to death near school gates as he waited for bus home – as teen is arrested for his murder
The victim is the second teenager to be knifed to death in London in just four days
TRIBUTES have been paid to a 15-year-old stabbed to death outside school gates while waiting for a bus home.
Quamari Barnes, named locally, died after being stabbed multiple times as he waited at a bus stop in Willesden, north west London, at about 3pm yesterday.
He ran back to the school after the attack before collapsing at the school gates.
Officers arrested a 15-year-old boy at an address in South Norbury at today.
He is currently in custody at a north London police station
This morning hundreds of pupils were seen coming outside the school to lay flowers and pay their respects at the front gate.
Many were seen crying and embracing each other as they remembered their friend in front of the shrine which included a Jamaican flag and a poster with a Bob Marley quote "Don't worry about a thing".
One tribute read: "I still cannot believe it, how we lost such a pure soul. Someone who made us smile and cheered us up when we needed it the most.
"You were so talented and loving. I can only put my faith in God. And hope you are in a better place, a place more loving than this cruel world.
"You will be missed dearly, never forgotten. XXX Sarah"
Another read: "From year 7 to now you've always made me smile. From drama to student parliament you made everyone feel at ease.
"From only knowing swear words in Albanian and trying to teach me to dance 'move your hips Denise'.
"We will never forget you. We will never forget you. You will be forever missed. XXX Denise."
A woman who laid flowers at he gate who said she was a family friend but wished not to be named, said: "He was just a good boy going to school, he said goodbye to his mum and he never came back. It's so sad."
Pupils were allowed home early from the school after being told the news about Quamari.
Rebecca Morrison, 22, went to school with Quamari's older sisters and came to the school to pay her respects.
She said: "I just live around the corner and when I woke up this morning I saw the news and social media and it was just really shocking I was lost for words.
"He was a really humble guy from what I knew of him.
"They've for lots of support and family friends. I've seen loads of posts over social media remembering him.
"I can't believe it. Life is so short. He was only 15. His life hadn't even started yet. It's so sad."
Ingrid Riatiga, 45, who lives with near the school said: "I just came back from work to pick the children up.
"The police and the ambulance were coming.
"It was something we were kind of expecting unfortunately. They usually gather outside here on the corner a the end of the school day.
"We see fights. Boys fighting each other, girls fighting each other.
"Sometimes different schools sometimes among themselves. We just knew it was going to happen."
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lawson of the Homicide and Major Crime Command: "The area around Doyle Gardens and Uffington Road was very busy at the time of the murder.
"A large number of children were going home from school. I would like to hear from them, or their parents, as I'm certain that people will have information that could prove vital to the investigation.
"Whilst the motive for this stabbing remains unclear, I would also like to speak with anyone who may have heard about what happened after the attack."
A statement from the secondary school said: "It is with overwhelming sadness that Capital City Academy must confirm the sudden death of one of its students on Monday 23rd January.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very sad time; and also with friends, fellow students and teachers. Capital City Academy will be offering a counselling service to students and staff.
A Met Police spokesman said: "A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a teenage boy in Willesden.
"Police were called just before 3.30pm on Monday by London Ambulance Service to a 15-year-old male stabbed in Doyle Gardens.
"Officers attended and the boy was suffering stab wounds. The boy was taken by paramedics to hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Next of kin are aware.
"The Homicide and Major Crime Command has been informed and are investigating.
"Whilst officers believe they know who the deceased is, they await formal identification."
related stories
Any witnesses or anyone with any information is urged to contact the incident room on 020 8358 0200 or via 101 or by tweeting @MetCC
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org
The stabbing took place three miles from where university student Djodjo Nsaka, 19, was fatally stabbed on Friday.
Djodjo, originally from Streatham, south London, was doing a business studies degree at Middlesex University.
He was knifed outside his halls of residence near Wembley Stadium.
There is no suggestion that the two incidents are linked.
A record number of 29 teenagers were murdered in London in 2008 - topping the previous worst toll of 27 in 2007. There was a steep decline to 15 teenage murders in the capital in 2009. A total of 19 teenagers were unlawfully killed in London in 2010, while 15 teenagers were murdered in the capital in 2011.
Eight teenagers were murdered in London in 2012, but the figure rose to 12 in 2013, before falling to 11 in 2014.
The death toll rose again in 2016 to 19, 15 of whom were fatally stabbed. Twelve teenagers were murdered in London last year, all of whom were fatally stabbed.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368