Jaden Moodie murder: Man arrested over 14-year-old’s killing in London

Suspect, 18, questioned over ‘barbaric’ stabbing of teenager in Leyton

A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of 14-year-old Jaden Moodie, who was run over and stabbed to death in a frenzied attack in east London last week.

Scotland Yard said the 18-year-old suspect was arrested at an address in Wembley, west London, on Saturday morning and was taken into custody for questioning.

Jaden died in the street in Leyton after being rammed off a scooter by a Mercedes car and stabbed at least eight times. Police believe his murder on 8 January was a targeted attack.

The Metropolitan Police has been hunting five men in connection with the teenager’s death.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Soole, who is leading the investigation, said: “Although one man has been arrested in connection with this murder, we remain fully focused on locating and arresting others connected to this deadly attack.

“Our effort to bring them to justice continues; a number of active enquires are in hand.

“I would urge anyone with any information about this crime to contact us without delay. I understand that some people may have reservations about contacting the police, but please be assured that any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Jaden was reportedly riding a stolen moped when he was rammed from behind by a black Mercedes B class in Bickley Road at 6.30pm. Three men climbed out of the car and stabbed to teenager to death.

Police said all five men who were in the vehicle were considered suspects in a “barbaric” murder which had left the community “up in arms”.

Mr Soole said: “They are as disgusted as we are regarding this crime – this tragic, cowardly crime – as, quite rightly, a community up in arms about the death of a 14-year-old boy should be.”

Jaden Moodie had moved to London for ‘a fresh start’ about six months before his murder (Metropolitan Police) (PA)

The Mercedes used in the attack was found in nearby Carlisle Road the next day and was seized for forensic examination.

Detectives want to speak to anyone who may have seen a “suspicious black vehicle” in the area. There are thought to be witnesses who have not come forward.

“We have a number of enquiries that we are pursuing, however, we cannot solve this alone, we need the public to help us,” Mr Soole said. “Due to the location and time of the attack we know there are a number of people out there who either witnessed the incident or who have information about this heinous crime and we would like to hear from them.

“I firmly believe that someone out there knows the people who are responsible for Jaden’s murder.”

Mr Soole said one line of inquiry was that the suspects were connected to drugs, but Jaden’s family said he had “absolutely no affiliation with gangs”.

The teenager had moved from Nottingham to London about six months ago.