Tashaun Aird: Teenager arrested on suspicion of murder of 15-year-old aspiring musician

Family describe victim as 'family-orientated [and] passionate about his music'

Tashaun Aird was stabbed to death in Somerford Grove in Hackney on Wednesday evening (PA)

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of aspiring musician Tashaun Aird in east London, police said.

The 15-year-old was stabbed to death in Somerford Grove in Hackney on 1 May.

Scotland Yard said the 16-year-old boy was taken into custody at a northwest London police station, where he remains.

Another teenager, also aged 16, was riding a bicycle when he was chased and stabbed, before seeking refuge in a convenience store.

He was found with stab injuries in nearby Shacklewell Road, but police said his injuries were not life-threatening.

The development comes as police continue to ask for the public to submit information that could assist their investigation into the murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Rance, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Our investigation is making good progress and my officers are following a number of lines of inquiry, but we know there is more work for us to do in tracking down all of those involved in this horrific murder of a teenage boy who had his whole life in front of him.

“We know that witnesses saw Tashaun and the 16-year-old victim being attacked by a group of youths in a park near Somerford Grove. Tashaun was part of a group of about six when four suspects ran at them. We retain an open mind as to any motive behind this terrible incident.

“It would have been quite a scene and following the confrontation everyone fled.

“If you haven’t spoken to police about what you saw, I need you to get in touch. If you are worried about telling police, or even if you don’t want to speak to us directly, I would urge you to use anonymous methods such as Crimestoppers where you could provide vital information without even having to give your name.

“The people who killed Tashaun and seriously injured another 16-year-old boy must be removed from the community, and only you can help us do it.”

In a statement released through police on Friday, his family said: "Tashaun was family-orientated, he loved his family and we loved him dearly. He was passionate about his music and he loved drawing. He was a loving, caring boy with an infectious laugh.

"There are no words to avoid this empty void we now have, a huge part of us is now missing. He was a talented young boy and worked hard in his studies, particularly with his English.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by our loss; we have lost a dear son, a brother, a nephew, a grandson and an uncle in Tashaun."